Minutes 06-28-04MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING
HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA,
ON MONDAY, JUNE 28, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M.
Present
Elizabeth Pierce, Chairperson
William Orlove, Vice Chair
Lisa H. Peterfreund
Margaret Murphy
Tom Williams
Pamela Winters
John R. Spannuth, Alternate
Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director
John Wildner, Deputy Recreation & Parks
Director
Absent
Betty Thomas
John McVey, Alternate
I. Call to Order
Chairperson Pierce called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
I1. Attendance
Chairperson Pierce called the roll and declared a quorum was present.
II1. Approval of Minutes of May 24, 2004
Ms. Peterfreund noted that Commissioner Ensler brought other people from Hunters Run
on the bus tour, but their names were omitted in the minutes. The Recording Secretary
responded that their names were not included, because they were not given to her.
Also, Ms. Peterfreund noted that the minutes stated that "Ms. Peterfreund recommended
that they could ask Hunter's Run if they could help with some kind of fundraising," when it
was actually Commissioner Ensler commenting on Hunter's Run fundraising efforts. The
Recording Secretary indicated that the sentence would be deleted from the minutes.
Motion
Vice Chair Orlove moved to approve the minutes, as amended. Motion seconded by Ms.
Murphy and unanimously carried.
Vice Chair Orlove requested that the Board's newest member introduce himself. John
Spannuth distributed a brochure on his background, which is in recreation and sports. He
is President of the United States Water Fitness Association and his major interest is
aquatics. Members welcomed Mr. Spannuth to the Board.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
Mr. Majors requested moving up the Item D under New Business, entitled "Boynton Lakes
Park" and introduced Mrs. Schwartz who was present on behalf of Boynton Lakes. Mr.
Majors stated that Jeffrey Livergood, the City's Public Work's Director, referred her to this
Board regarding the Boynton Lakes Park and the Park's limited lighting.
IV. Unfinished Business
A. Comprehensive and Strategic Plans (addressed later)
B. Senior Center
Before proceeding with the items on the agenda, members took a tour of the new Phase 2
of the Senior Center.
Mr. Majors reported that the City contracted with a local architectural firm to begin the
design for the final expansion (Phase 3). This would include an additional meeting room,
an art and crafts/gardening room and other minor improvements. The addition of the
automatic sliding doors was identified as a need when going through the accreditation for
the Senior Center, which is essential for people with limited abilities. An additional
bathroom will also be added during Phase 3 and the kitchen will be a full catering kitchen.
He felt that Boynton Beach had one of the best senior centers in the State and once it
becomes accredited, it will be only one or two centers in the State that is accredited.
Ms. Murphy inquired about the status of the accreditation and Mr. Majors stated that it is
moving forward. He felt it has taken a little longer for the project because the committee is
made up of volunteers, but they felt it was important that the committee be made up of
volunteers. Mr. Majors will have an update at the July meeting.
V. New Business
D. Boynton Lakes Park (heard out of order)
Mr. Wildner reported that Boynton Lakes Park consists of nine acres. Vice Chair Orlove
inquired where Boynton Lakes was located. Mr. Wildner explained that it is located
northeast of Congress Avenue and south of Hypoluxo, behind the Winn-Dixie Shopping
Center.
Ms. Schwartz stated that she is the Secretary and Treasurer of the Board of Directors of
Boynton Lakes and she was present with the President and Vice President of the
Association. Eighteen years ago the City received the land from Lennar Corporation and
the original Board of Directors voted to have a passive park. The Board at that time did not
want to have any basketball courts or outdoor activities. Since that time, the community
has grown and them are now many families with children, young adults and pets. Ms.
Schwartz feels that the park has become unsafe since them is no lighting and they have
an obligation to keep their community safe.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28, 2004
Two years ago she voiced her concerns to the City and Commissioner McKoy and City
Manager Bressner attended one of their meetings. They met with Sgt. Katz to show how
dark the area is at night. There are only three lights to the entrance to the park. There is
also a sign posted that states the park is open from dawn to dusk, but no one pays
attention to this. The gates have not been locked for the past four years, but this would not
matter since the park is wide open and anyone can enter the park.
Ms. Schwartz presented photographs that she took this week that show the benches are
marked with graffiti and the signs that state "passive walkway" are rotted and are not
legible. The park has not been maintained very well, but she did thank the City's Forester,
Kevin Hallahan for assisting with planting trees and Parks employee, Norman Turner, who
placed new landscaping around the pump stations, but that was now full of weeds.
She noted that newer and brighter lights have been added to Boynton South to illuminate
their swimming pool and parking lot area. She had asked that these same lights be
installed in the three lights along Boynton Lakes Boulevard, but she never received a
response. Ms. Schwartz would like the City to put in new lighting to make the park area
safer, noting that there are 523 homes in Boynton Lakes.
Ms. Murphy inquired if the park has been neglected and Ms. Schwartz responded that the
lawn is mowed. The trees need trimming, there is black mold on the concrete in the
children's area and the gazebo is full of graffiti. She is not certain if the shuffleboard court
is still there because that area is covered with dirt and weeds.
Mr. Wildner stated that he was involved with Boynton Lakes Park since its inception and
confirmed that the residents did not want a park. He also pointed out that when Lennar
Corporation gave the land to the City it was because the City required that developers
donate a certain amount of land to the City for the purpose of recreation. When City staff
asked the residents of Boynton Lakes what they wanted, they stated they did not want
active recreation. Mr. Wildner pointed out that the court Ms. Schwartz referred to was not a
shuffleboard court, but a bocce court.
Mr. Wildner also reported that at that time the residents requested that the park be closed
at dusk and that there be no lights to discourage people from using the park at night. The
residents asked for a gate, but were informed that the gate would have to be closed by the
Police Department, because the Parks' staff left in the early afternoon. Mr. Wildner
acknowledged that the gates are not being closed and they have requested on several
occasions that the Police Department assist them, but there is not enough staff to do it.
However, Mr. Wildner noted that the fence does not encompass the entire park; so closing
the gate would accomplish nothing. Ms. Schwartz noted that the children's area has a
wrought iron fence around it, but it does not have a gate to close it.
Ms. Peterfreund inquired if vehicles could be driven into the gated area and Ms. Schwartz
stated that cars are driven into this area. Ms. Schwartz pointed out that there are signs that
state "no parking" after a certain hour, but people ignore them.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
Mr. Wildner inquired if people park on the grass, would they be given some kind of citation
by the homeowner's association. Ms. Schwartz stated that they do not get involved with
the park area. Mr. Wildner inquired if the homeowner's association now wants to open the
park at night and Ms. Schwartz stated that it is already open at night.
Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the hours of operation of a park were subject to City codes.
Mr. Wildner stated that it varies and parks are open from dawn to dusk, unless otherwise
posted. Therefore, a majority of the parks are open from dawn to dusk; however, parks
with lights are posted with different closing times, depending upon the location.
Chairperson Pierce pointed out that they are actually in a "catch 22" situation because they
want to add lighting for safety, but they do not actually want the park to be open at night.
Chairperson Pierce also recommended that the people within the community observe what
is happening in the park, and Ms. Schwartz responded that the residents have shown no
interest in getting involved with their community. Ms. Schwartz now feels that the people
would like to have the park lit up at night. Since the park is open, the lights would act as a
deterrent to vandalism.
Ms. Peterfreund inquired if the security employed by the Homeowner's Association alerts
the Police whenever they see anyone in the park. Ms. Schwartz stated that if they
encountered problems, they would call the Police. Ms. Peterfreund recommended that they
constantly call the Police in order to get a response, because the more people complain,
the more the Police would respond. Ms. Peterfreund also recommended inviting the Police
to their homeowner's meeting and Ms. Schwartz stated that the Police attend the meetings
regularly.
Ms. Peterfreund asked what the City responsibilities were as far as maintenance of the
park. Mr. Wildner stated that the City has addressed some of the problems that Ms.
Schwartz brought up that included planting shrubbery and trimming trees. He explained
that it is difficult to get the graffiti off the benches since paint does not adhere to recycled
plastic. Mr. Wildner said that staff would go out and look at the park to see what needs to
be done. He noted that the path in the park is used regularly and is in good shape. Since
this is a measured one-half mile path, it is a good path for walking.
Mr. Wildner noted that the park is a very large green area that has no function, since the
homeowner's originally did not want to have anything placed in the park. Ms. Schwartz
stated that the residents now would like to see tennis courts in the park. Mr. Wildner stated
that this was something that the City could consider and would be agreeable to adding
functions at the park. He suggested adding racquetball courts, tennis courts and other
amenities that would appeal to the younger people in the community. Mr. Wildner stated
that in order to accomplish these improvements, it would require community support.
Chairperson Pierce recommended holding a homeowners' meeting to determine what the
residents want. Mr. Wildner pointed out that if activities were introduced in the park, this
would be a justification for adding lights.
Fred Freimann, President of Boynton Lakes North, asked if the City would pay for the
tennis courts, and Mr. Wildner responded that they would be willing to listen. However, if
4
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
the community could demonstrate support for a tennis court, this Board could recommend
it and staff would place it in a capital improvement program for consideration. It would then
be brought to the City Commission for consideration. Mr. Freimann felt that the residents
would support these types of improvements to the park. Mr. Wildner explained that this
would probably take several years because the costs need to be determined and then it
has to be included in the capital improvement budget.
Mr. Majors pointed out that with these improvements, it would attract people from outside
Boynton Lakes because it is a public park. Mr. Wildner stated that this is what the
residents did not want and that is why there is only parking for four vehicles. Mr. Freimann
stated that what happened in the past does not exist today and the residents' attitudes
have changed.
Mr. Freimann had requested that they be allowed to close the gates, but the Police
Department told them that this was a City park and it was the City's responsibility to close
the gates. Mr. Wildner stated that there are several volunteers that close the gates at City
parks. Mr. Freimann requested that the City at least put lighting in the gazebo. Mr. Wildner
acknowledged that the lights from the parking area are not sufficient for the gazebo area.
Ms. Schwartz requested that the Board members come out and view the park in order to
understand what they are trying to say. Right now, they would like to have new lights
added to the three poles that face the park. Chairperson Pierce recommended that they
hold a community meeting to determine if the residents want the park to remain open after
dusk before the Board makes any recommendations. Ms. Schwartz responded that they
would get a newsletter out to the residents to determine what they want and then they will
report their findings back to the Board.
Mr. Majors noted that this is an issue that cannot be resolved overnight and at the next
Board meeting members could consider if they would like to put forth a recommendation to
the Homeowner's Association as to how they should proceed. Vice Chair Orlove
volunteered to attend their Homeowner's Association meeting.
IV. Unfinished Business
C. Congress Avenue Community Park/'rennis
(playground) (addressed out of order)
Center-Master Plan
Ms. Patti Hammer, 52 Stratford Lane, is a resident of Hunter's Run, and came to the
meeting to hear the presentation on the Community Park/Tennis Center. Ms. Hammer
referred to all the new construction that would be going up in the area and there would be
a great influx of new families with children. She felt that having a park was imperative,
Mr. Wildner gave an overview of past plans for Congress Avenue Community Park. The
park was built about the same time that Caloosa Park was developed. Congress Avenue
Community Park was acquired in two phases before Hunter's Run was developed. Charter
World was the original development that preceded Hunter's Run. Because Caloosa Park
was an active recreation park, the City decided, after consulting with the residents, that
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28, 2004
they would like to have tennis courts in the park. Therefore, the initial phase of Congress
Avenue Community Park was putting in tennis courts. There were future plans to have a
drive-through from the present entrance to the west side of the park that would go around
the park ending on Congress Avenue. Picnic areas, shuffleboard courts and other passive
activities were going to be built that would compliment the active recreation in Caloosa
Park. The plans also included a children's playground that would be located to the west of
the current entrance road with a small pier extending into the lake.
When WXEL outgrew the facilities that they shared with the School Board, originally they
were going to move out of town. In order to keep WXEL in the City, it was decided to take
five acres from Congress Avenue Community Park and dedicate the land to the station for
the purpose of community education. At that time the plans also included a batting cage
and a miniature golf course. At another point the master plan was expanded to include a
recreation center for indoor activities that could be geared to various age groups,
depending upon the programming.
Mr. Wildner noted that there are no recreation facilities in the southwest section of the City
and Caloosa Park does not have a building for recreation. All recreation facilities are
located in the eastern portion of the City and this is why staff thought it would be feasible to
locate a recreational building at Congress Avenue Community Park. Now there is
discussion about putting in a Boundless Playground that is a park geared to integrating
people with disabilities with able-bodied people and staff is in favor of this.
Vice Chair Orlove had indicated that he wanted to take on more of a role to determine
whether the citizens and homeowners' associations in this area would like to have a park.
He has met with three individual homeowners' associations, Estates of Silverlake,
Chanticleer Villas and Cedar Wood Villas. He noted that there is overwhelming support for
the children's Boundless Playground that the Board visited at John Prince Park. There was
also support for a children's sprinkler or water park on a small scale. Also discussed was
integrating a biking/walking path with benches and a picnic pavilion area with electrical
outlets and a boardwalk/fishing pier around the lake site. Many people indicated that they
wanted to keep the greenery at the park. Also, bathrooms were requested.
When discussion about an amphitheater came up, the people at Chanticleer Villas were
opposed to this because of security, as well as noise and traffic. However, the other
communities indicated that they would like to have an amphitheater. Many people oppose
having a small recreation or multi-purpose building and a few people residing at
Chanticleer did not want to see the site developed at all. Vice Chair Orlove will follow up
with other associations to determine what they would like.
Ms. Peterfreund felt that the Boundless Playground could be surrounded by a
bikeway/jogging trail and the pier and lake could remain.
Ms. Hammer reported that the residents of Hunter's Run are opposed to having a
recreation hall at this park. She pointed out that all individual communities have their own
clubhouses and she did not think there was a need for a recreational hall. Ms. Hammer
also did not think that an amphitheater would be a good idea since it would abut Hunter's
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
Run. She was very supportive of having a Boundless Playground for the children and felt
that there was a need for a playground in the area. Ms. Hammer did not see the need to
add shuffleboard, since this was available at most communities.
Mr. Wildner, commenting on Ms. Hammer's remark that most communities have their own
recreation building, felt that this was a detriment in that no common area is created and
people become segregated in their own communities. Having a common recreational
building that serves an entire area of a City creates interaction with all people. Also, the
City can provide a great deal more programming than individual communities could
provide.
Ms. Murphy recommended that Ms. Hammer visit the Boundless Playground in order to
gain more knowledge of how wonderful this playground is. Chairperson Pierce also noted
that a small water park would be added to the Boundless Playground.
Ms. Peterfreund inquired if all the amenities that were discussed tonight were placed in the
Park would there still be enough room for a recreational building. Mr. Wildner responded
that a follow up master plan was done that included most of the facilities discussed tonight
including a recreational building and parking lot. Ms. Peterfreund inquired if there would
be objection to a building that provided classes to children.
Ms. Hammer stated that the residents of Hunter's Run were totally against a recreational
center. Ms. Hammer felt that if a building were built, a lot of people would come to it that
did not belong in the area. Ms. Peterfreund pointed out that the building would be staffed
and locked up at night.
Mr. Majors noted that the summer camp programs fill up within a week. Chairperson
Pierce pointed out that there is a summer camp for children with disabilities at Boat Club
Park, which is very small. She felt that the City should offer a large enough building for
these children that would compliment the Boundless Playground. The building could also
be used for arts and crafts and for days when the children could not go outside. Mr. Majors
pointed out that they used to have a camp at Caloosa Park, but because there was no
building for the children, they discontinued using that Park.
Mr. Williams also said that it would be beneficial for the City to have a building or a civic
center to hold events, instead of paying to use outside facilities. He pointed out that there
is no place for residents to go in the City without having to pay. Mr. Majors reported that
staff is in the process of reviewing a proposal from an engineering firm to begin the design
precess of the Intracoastal Clubhouse. It is anticipated that this would be a two-story
building that would be able to accommodate a lot of activities.
Ms. Peterfreund referred to a survey that the Recreation and Parks Department sent to
homeowners' associations asking them to provide the City with a list of activities and
programs that are offered by the homeowners' association. Mr. Majors stated that this had
been sent out by the Arts Center. Ms. Peterfreund inquired where these activities are now
taking place and Mr. Majors responded at the Art Center, Hester Center and Civic Center.
7
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28, 2004
Chairperson Pierce pointed out that the facility that they would like to have at the Congress
Avenue Park would not be of the same magnitude as the Hester Center, nor would it offer
the same recreational opportunities. This would be a building for creative activities and
camps for the children.
Ms. Hammer inquired where the entrance to the building would be. Mr. Wildner stated that
the original plans called for a loop road beginning at the existing entrance to the Tennis
Center and would run to the center of the property and would turn left and exit off
Congress Avenue. Mr. Majors noted that the Hester Center is almost 20,000 square feet,
whereas the Art Center is only 8,000 square feet. If people do not want it, it would not be
built.
Ms. Hammer was invited to attend future Board meetings since this project will be on the
agenda for quite some time.
V. New Business
Jaycee Park Development-
Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program (FRDAP)
Mr. Wildner reported that the City is in the process of purchasing this property and has
been leasing it for a number of years. He pointed out that they would be requiring some
funds in order to develop the park. There are funds available from the Florida Recreation
Development Assistance Program (FRDAP), which is a State program that requires
matching funds up to $200,000. There are plans to build a playground, restroom facilities,
day-use boat docks, a path with landscaping, and picnic tables. Although these
improvements would cost more than $400,000, staff has isolated specific items that they
will be using the FRDAP grant funds for. Other projects would be added to the park in
future development programs.
Mr. Wildner pointed out that one of the criteria to receive a FRDAP grant is that it must be
discussed with the City's Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. Vice Chair Orlove noted
that this had been discussed at several prior Board meetings within the last few months,
which Mr. Wildner acknowledged. Chairperson Pierce also pointed out that the Board was
very supportive of applying for the FRDAP grant. Mr. Spannuth noted that the item had
been discussed at the March 22, 2004 and February 23, 2004 meetings.
Vice Chair Orlove recommended that Mr. Wildner obtain copies of the past Board minutes
from the Clerk's Office that show that the Board was in full support of the park.
Chairperson Pierce also noted that the Board had agreed upon the plans that were
presented at a prior meeting. Ms. Peterfreund pointed out that the Board continues to
support the park.
B. Woman's Club
Mr. Majors reported that an update on the condition of the Woman's Club was presented to
the City Commission at their last meeting. An architectural firm performed an assessment
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28, 2004
of the building and found the building to be in fairly good condition, considering its age.
The Commission requested that staff next provide them with a plan to show how they
envision that the City could utilize this building. Before the City makes a commitment on
entering into a long-term lease agreement, they want staff to bring back this information.
Ms. Murphy stated that she had received a previous report that stated the Woman's Club
required a great deal of repair. The report indicated that it would cost $75,000 for the
windows and the elevator needed to be upgraded and a lot of work had to be done. Mr.
Majors stated that the windows and doors were recently fixed through a grant that the
Woman's Club received. There are some ADA issues regarding accessibility of the
bathrooms and some of the air conditioning units need to be upgraded. Also, the roof
needs to be looked at more closely.
Mr. Majors noted, however, that the problems he discussed resulted from staff's
assessment of the building. When an architectural firm that dealt with historic preservation
surveyed the building, it was their judgment that the building was in fairly good condition.
Ms. Murphy also remarked that there is new fencing along Federal Highway and inquired
who paid for that. Mr. Majors stated that the Woman's Club also paid for this. It was
determined that over a period of 10 years, it would cost approximately $110,000 to do the
necessary repairs. Mr. Majors anticipated providing the Commission with the requested
information by late July.
C. Congress Middle School
Mr. Majors reported that he and Mr. Wildner were approached by the School District
regarding their plans for Congress Middle School. Mr. Majors presented the plans that the
School District had furnished him that show that Congress Middle School would be
replaced with a new building. The School District would like the Parks and Recreation
Department to have a role in the development of the site. The plans call for moving the
school back and to allocate the northeastern portion of the site for open space.
The open space could be a multi-purpose green area, ball field, a building, or anything the
City may want. The caveat, however, is that anything that is put on the site, the City would
have to develop and pay for it. This could include bathrooms, landscaping and parking.
The ball field and track are mandatory and are minimum requirements governed by State
Statutes.
Ms. Murphy inquired why the school was being moved and was informed that the school is
very old and needs to be upgraded. Ms. Peterfreund inquired who would pay for the
maintenance of these improvements and Mr. Majors stated that it was the City's
responsibility. Mr. Majors noted that this would also affect the improvements being
considered for Congress Avenue Community Park.
Mr. Majors stated that the plans for the new Congress Middle School are on the 2007-2008
school calendar. Ms. Peterfreund inquired if the Board would be consulted about the
improvements being put in and the costs of same. Mr. Majors stated that the School
District is supposed to provide the City with an opinion of costs within the next month.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
Ms. Murphy inquired how much land was being dedicated to the City and Mr. Wildner
stated that it probably would be around five to six acres. Mr. Majors noted that there is a
great amount of interest in soccer these days; the Little League program continues to
grow; and the senior softball league is also increasing and this would provide the space for
some of these activities. Mr. Wildner also pointed out that the location of the site is not
surrounded by residential. Chairperson Pierce recommended that this be included in next
month's agenda.
IV. Unfinished Business
A. Comprehensive and Strategic Plans (addressed out of order)
Mr. Majors reported that the City Commission approved the proposal received by the
Recreation and Parks Department from the planning firm of Glatting and Jackson. Glatting
and Jackson will work with staff in updating the Recreation and Open Space element of
the Comprehensive Plan, as well as developing a strategic plan for the Department. It is
very important that they move forward with these projects and the Board will be very
involved in formulating the Comprehensive Plan. In formulating the new Comprehensive
Plan, the recreation and parks element will provide direction for the next 10 to 15 years.
V. New Business
E. Monthly Report
Ms. Peterfreund referred to a mailing that her homeowner's association received. The
letter states that they are compiling a list of program and activities of various homeowners'
associations and it included a survey to be filled out. She thought that this type of mailing
should have been presented to the Board first for the Board's input because a lot of
questions were missing. She did not feel that it was worthwhile to complete the survey
because a lot of information necessary to complete it was missing. Mr. Majors stated that
the Art Center staff sent out the survey. Also, Ms. Peterfreund noted that there was no
place to indicate who filled out the survey in the event staff wanted to have future follow
through.
Ms. Murphy did not realize that Parks and Recreation was in charge of City Hall in the
Mall. She stated that she went to City Hall in the Mall regarding a passport and was
informed that they did not have any applications and she had to go to Delray Beach for her
passport. Mr. Wildner stated that City Hall in the Mall is able to do the entire process. Ms.
Peterfreund noted that obtaining a passport is done by appointment. Mr. Majors stated that
he would follow through on this because Ms. Murphy should have been able to obtain her
passport at City Hall in the Mall. Mr. Wildner pointed out that staff at City Hall in the Mall
was cut back. At one time the applications were kept on hand and were always available;
however, now a person needs to call ahead to determine the best time to come to in to
complete the process since it takes approximately 45 minutes.
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28,2004
F. Items for the City Manager's Attention -
None
Other
Mr. Mike Fitzpatrick, who was in the audience, requested to address the Board on two
items. He reported that the cow pasture across from Boynton Beach Mall is on the
Commission agenda for rezoning. He feels that this is a complete giveaway to the
developers and the City is getting nothing in return. The developer has requested to
change the rezoning from 775 homes at medium density on 107 acres and to put in 1,120
condos. Also, the plans call for Target to relocate at this property along with some strip
malls and office buildings. He feels that the developer would be profiting $75 million to $80
million.
He further felt that the City should bargain with the developers if the developers want the
zoning change. The City should go back to the developers and ask for 50 acres for parks
in exchange for the zoning change. Mr. Fitzpatrick distributed a handout dealing with this
issue to members, a copy of which is on file in the City Clerk's Office. Ms. Peterfreund
thought that that this had already been approved, but was informed that the Planning and
Development Board passed it, not the City Commission. This zoning issue would next go
to the City Commission and needs a 3-2 vote to pass.
Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that this would be appearing on the Commission agenda on July 6th
and he would like the Board members to speak against the zoning at the meeting. Mr.
Fitzpatrick would like the City to receive 50 acres to be used as follows: 29 acres for
greenways along the two canals, 10 acres for a new ball field, 5 acres for a playground
and civic center, and 5 acres for a dog park. He noted that previously, developers had to
dedicate a certain amount of land to recreation. This requirement is no longer in effect and
he would like to see it put back.
Vice Chair Orlove asked the Board if they supported Mr. Fitzpatrick's request, and he was
not sure if 50 acres was the right figure. Vice Chair Orlove felt that there should be some
allowances made for greenspace and if they are giving the developer something, the
developer should give the citizens something as well. Chairperson Pierce stated that the
Board could agree that they would like to see more greenspace.
The second item Mr. Fitzpatrick brought up was that he noticed on a prior Commission
agenda that the City was selling one-tenth of an acre at 730 SW 3rd Avenue, which is
located next to the Crystal Key Nature Preserve. He brought this up at the meeting and the
item was tabled. At the next meeting, the Commission voted not to sell it and to connect
the land to Crystal Key.
Since the City decided to preserve the land, he wrote the City a letter stating that the land
needs to be prepared and the exotics removed. He knows people that would help replant
the area and it should cost around $1,500 in native plants. Ms. Peterfreund recommended
1!
Meeting Minutes
Recreation and Parks Board
Boynton Beach, Florida
June 28, 2004
that the Board support that this 1/10th of an acre be developed in conjunction with Crystal
Key.
Chairperson Pierce will bring up these two issues at the next Commission meeting. Ms.
Peterfreund felt that after Chairperson Pierce speaks at the meeting, a follow-up letter
should be sent to the City.
Mr. Majors announced that the Florida Recreation and Parks Association is looking for
volunteers to help out with the Fourth of July festivities on Flagler Drive. The Boca Raton
Advisory Board would be participating.
Chairperson Pierce distributed a flyer on the Florida Coastal Cleanup 2004 scheduled for
September 18, 2004.
Ms. Murphy inquired if there would be a shuttle bus from the Bank of America parking lot to
the City's Fourth of July festivities at Intracoastal Park. Mr. Wildner stated that there would
be shuttle buses.
VI. Next Meeting: July 26, 2004 at the Senior Center
VII. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(June 29,2004)