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Minutes 07-26-04MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JULY 26, 2004 AT 6:30 P.M. Present William Orlove, Vice Chair Lisa Peterfreund Betty Thomas Tom Williams Pamela Winters Jack McVey, Alternate John Spannuth, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director John Wildner, Deputy Recreation & Parks Director Absent Elizabeth Pierce, Chairperson Margaret Murphy I. Call to Order In the absence of the Chairperson, Vice Chair Orlove presided and called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. I1. Attendance Vice Chair Orlove called the roll and declared a quorum was present. II1. Approval of Minutes of June 28, 2004 Mr. Majors addressed a question that Ms. Peterfreund raised regarding the questionnaire that was mailed out to Homeowner Associations referred to on Page 10 of the minutes under "Monthly Reports." Mr. Majors noted that the questionnaire was done as part of the Recreation and Parks accreditation efforts. Ms. Winters and Mr. Spannuth reported that they did not receive the minutes. The Recording Secretary responded that they are mailed to member's homes approximately one week after the meeting and confirmed that the records contained the correct address for those members. Mr. Majors stated that if any member did not receive the minutes, to please let him know. Motion Ms. Thomas moved to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by Mr. McVey and unanimously carried. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 IV. Unfinished Business A. Comprehensive and Strategic Plans Mr. Majors reported that on Tuesday, August 24th at 9:00 a.m. in the Library Program Room, a kick-off meeting for updating the recreation and open space element of the City's Comprehensive Plan and development of the Strategic Plan for the Department will be held. The consulting firm of Glatting & Jackson that is working with the Department on these projects will be in attendance. Mr. Majors felt that there would be an opportunity for interaction among members of the Board and the consulting firm. The meeting will be primarily devoted to getting acquainted with the firm and to discuss what the projects actually involved. These are very significant projects since the Comprehensive Plan is an essential element of the State requirement that various components of the City's government must provide their long-term plans to the State. It is anticipated that the strategic plan will give the Department a sense of direction. Members planning to attend should inform Mr. Majors prior to the meeting. Ms. Peterfreund requested that Mr. Majors send out a mailing reminding members of the meeting with a request to RSVP. Ms. Peterfreund also inquired if a schedule of the meetings was available. Mr. Majors stated that this is the first meeting planned. He will send out reminder letters as requested. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if minutes would be taken at the meeting. Mr. Majors stated that minutes would be taken since members of the City Commission have been invited, and he anticipates that one or two Commissioners would be attending. Vice Chair Orlove requested that minutes be distributed, especially for those members who are not able to attend. If a quorum were not present from either this Board or the City Commission, Mr. Majors would not expect the City Clerk to provide a Recording Secretary. If that happens, he will have someone take meeting notes. In any event, a report will be provided. Ms. Peterfreund asked about the greenways plan. Mr. Majors stated that the conceptual greenways plan would be brought to the Commission for endorsement at their second meeting in August. If the City formally endorses a greenways plan, it would be beneficial in the City's application for funding from the Florida Community Trust for the Jaycee Park acquisition. B. Woman's Club Mr. Majors reported that this would also be on the Commission Agenda for the August 17th meeting. The report that the Commission previously received was an elaboration of the analysis conducted by Post, Buckley, Schuh & Jemigan, Inc. of their assessment of the condition of the Woman's Club. Also included in the report was a list of items that required long-term maintenance. It was determined that there were no major problems Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 with the Woman's Club, but there are some long-term maintenance requirements that have to be addressed. One or two of the air conditioning units have to be replaced and the building needs an intensive termite inspection. The biggest issue is the restrooms. There are two restrooms on the first floor and two on the second floor, none of which are handicapped accessible. If the City decides to move forward and enter into a lease arrangement with the Woman's Club, the City would have to address the restroom issues. The projected costs to upgrade the restrooms would be approximately $20,000, but this needs more study. (Mr. Wildner arrived at the meeting at 6:56 p.m.) Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Board needed to take any action on this issue. Mr. Majors felt that it was not necessary at this time until the Commission makes a decision. Mr. Majors also pointed out that the City is moving forward with the Intracoastal Park facility that could accommodate most of the activities that take place at the Woman's Club. Ms. Peterfreund inquired what would happen to the Woman's Club if the City decided not to support it. Mr. Majors felt that there would always be some kind of support for the Club through other partnerships. The Woman's Club is only one of two buildings in the City that is on the National Historic Register. C. Senior Center Mr. Majors noted that Phase 2 is completed and staff is moving into the new offices. Discussions are taking place for the design of Phase 3. Mr. Williams inquired if there would be any staff assisting with the exercise equipment. Mr. Majors responded that staff is looking into this and have spoken with local health providers for assistance. Mr. Williams felt it was important that there be qualified people available to avoid possible injuries. Ms. Peterfreund recommended contacting the YMCA to determine if they could offer assistance. Mr. Williams asked when the State Parks and Recreation Conference was scheduled. Mr. Majors stated that it is scheduled for August 29th through September 2nd in Palm Harbor, Florida at the Innsbrook Resort. Ms. Peterfreund asked if the Board paid for members to attend. Mr. Majors noted that when it took place in Ft. Lauderdale, the City provided a van. If any members would like to attend this conference, please advise Mr. Majors and he will determine if there are funds available. Mr. Williams stated that he intended to attend and would be driving to the conference. Mr. Majors noted that when the conference was held in Ft. Lauderdale, there were workshops devoted to Recreation and Parks Boards. Mr. Majors felt that the Conference was very worthwhile and he will look further into it. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 D. Congress Avenue Community Park- Boundless Playground Mr. Wildner presented an artist's rendering of a previous master plan for the Park, which he reviewed for the members. This was an illustrative plan of an example of what could be done with the Park that included the existing tennis courts. It was designed so that the main entrance would be on Congress Avenue. This plan was drawn up in the mid- 1980s, at which time the City was looking at revenue-generating programs. As a result, the plan includes a miniature golf course, batting cages and other revenue producing activities. These types of activities are no longer in vogue in parks. The shuffleboard courts at the Madsen Center would have also been moved to the Park and a small building would be built that would align up with the pro shop at the Tennis Center. The plan included an amphitheater and a dock extending into the lake. Mr. Wildner explained that the lake belongs to Hunter's Run. Therefore, staff would have to discuss this with Hunter's Run if a dock was included in the plan. The area where the dock is shown on the plan is full of exotics. The weed trees that were located west of the Tennis Courts have been removed and replaced with native trees that are doing well. Ms. Peterfreund inquired if the City was going to continue to treat the weeds. Mr. Wildner reported that the residents of Hunter's Run requested that the weed treating be discontinued. Ms. Peterfreund would like this reinstated since there is a great concern regarding the spread of exotics. Mr. Wildner noted that Palm Beach County offers grants to encourage the removal of weed trees on public property, which the City utilized at Hester Park. Mr. Wildner noted that the residents of Hunter's Run had a concern about the removal of the buffer. He felt it would be best to gradually remove the exotics and replace them with natives. An open play field was included in the plans and Mr. Wildner reiterated that this plan was only an illustration of how the park could look. Ms. Peterfreund inquired what activities were proposed for the building. Mr. Wildner explained that there were game rooms, a meeting room and small conference rooms. There was one large multi-purpose room that could accommodate sizeable gatherings. Also included was a dance studio with two indoor racquetball courts. There are no indoor racquetball courts in the City, and staff felt that this would be a good addition to compliment the tennis courts. Mr. Majors noted that they are trying to move forward with the Boundless Playground. This is a very worthwhile project and the Park would be a perfect site for it. Staff would like a formal endorsement from the Board to bring forward to the City Commission in order that staff could begin the design and planning of the Playground. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Board endorsement of the Boundless Playground would also include plans for the remainder of the site. He pointed out that he would be meeting with another homeowner association for their input. He was in favor of Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 endorsing the Boundless Playground, but he felt there were issues and activities for recreation at the site that still needed to be addressed. He was not certain if the Playground should be endorsed separately until these activities have been determined. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Board would be discussing what other activities they would like to include in the Park tonight. Ms. Peterfreund concurred that if they only approved moving forward with the Boundless Playground tonight and then later the other activities were introduced, this might cause concern to some residents. Ms. Thomas inquired what objections Hunter's Run had to introducing a building at the Park. Vice Chair Orlove noted that Hunter's Run felt that the homeowner associations in the area had their own clubhouses for activities and that this building was not necessary. Members felt that having a building on the site would be utilized by more than one particular homeowner's association and would be used for bringing people from other areas together for events and activities. Ms. Peterfreund pointed out that this is a public park and the City has a responsibility to provide for all citizens. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if there was urgency for the Board to endorse the Boundless Playground tonight. Mr. Majors felt it was important to show the City Commission that there was a consensus among the members that there is a need for this type of facility and to allow staff to move forward with looking into other opportunities for the Park. If the Board wanted staff to provide a master plan, this would involve additional costs and time. Mr. Wildner noted that with the Board's endorsement tonight, staff could begin to raise money. It was Commissioner Ensler that recommended that once the Board endorsed the Boundless Playground, the City Commission could endorse the soliciting of donations. Mr. Majors explained that staff could go out and seek support from community foundations and grants for the Boundless Playground. With regard to the other amenities that would be introduced in the Park, the funds for those would come from the City. Mr. Majors recommended that the Board draft a letter of endorsement for the Boundless Playground, especially since the Comprehensive Plan is being revised. Ms. Peterfreund recommended that the letter include that Vice Chair Orlove met with homeowner associations to gather information regarding the Boundless Playground and there was strong support for it. The Board, however, should keep an open mind about including other opportunities in the Park. Vice Chair Orlove noted that a meeting had taken place recently regarding the Park that he was not able to attend. He felt that the Board should be advised of what transpired at that meeting before the Board moved forward with an endorsement. Mr. Wildner noted that he had been invited to the meeting that was organized by Commissioner Ensler. Chairperson Pierce was in attendance. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 Mr. Wildner reported that the meeting was attended by two members of the Children and Youth Advisory Board that live in this area and two residents from Hunter's Run. One of the Hunter's Run residents is an artist, and she presented some concepts of what she felt could be placed in the Park. She included a Boundless Playground that took up most of the space. Mr. Wildner pointed out that the Boundless Playground that the Board members visited only occupied four to five acres. Mr. Wildner thought that a subsequent meeting took place where this resident presented a revised plan that included the Congress Avenue entrance. He also thought that Mr. Bressner might have attended this subsequent meeting. At the first meeting, discussion took place about including a small building that would be about the same size as the Boat Club Park building. Currently the Cerebral Palsy Association has a camp at Boat Club Park and that size building is sufficient for their needs. The building proposed would be a modest building and would be open with one large room with perhaps a patio. Vice Chair Orlove felt that a motion would be in order that would state the Board endorses the concept of the Boundless Playground for the Congress Avenue Community Park. The Board, however, will continue to discuss and look into other activities and other possible recreational components for the use of the Park. They agreed that the sole purpose of the Park is not a Boundless Playground. Ms. Peterfreund felt that the motion should include that the Boundless Playground would not exceed five acres. Discussion ensued on whether the size of the Playground should be included in a motion. Ms. Peterfreund recommended that the Boundless Playground that the Board is recommending incorporate all age groups. Vice Chair Odove requested that the motion state that the Boundless Playground would not encompass the entire site. Ms. Peterfreund felt that stating an acreage limitation was important in order to keep the concept of the Park alive. Ms. Peterfreund pointed out that the Park would serve the entire City. Ms. Winters felt that the motion should include support for the Boundless Playground, as well as a recreation center and park improvements. Vice Chair Orlove withdrew his recommendation for the motion. Motion Mr. McVey moved that this Board endorse a scaled-down version of what the members observed at John Prince Park and for staff to move ahead with obtaining funding for the Boundless Playground. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if it was the City that wanted the Board's endorsement. Mr. Majors stated that the request was coming from staff so they could move forward. He explained that the Boundless Playground Agency must be notified that the City is making a formal commitment for the development of the Playground. After this Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 notification, representatives of the Boundless Playground could then provide direction to staff on how to proceed to obtain funding and eventual development. Ms. Peterfreund seconded the motion. Vice Chair Orlove requested that the motion be amended to state that the Board supports the Boundless Playground as one aspect of the total development of the Park with other recreational opportunities for that Park. Ms. Peterfreund seconded the amended motion that unanimously carried. Mr. Majors announced that on August 18th at 3:00 staff is meeting with some people who are interested in the project. Tim Granowitz, the Principal Planner for the County, would also be attending. Mr. Majors noted that only one Board member could attend, otherwise, the meeting would have to be noticed. If more than one Board member would like to attend, he will notice the meeting. Ms. Peterfreund recommended that Chairperson Pierce be consulted first to determine whether she wanted to attend. If she does not, then Mr. Majors could contact other Board members to see who would like to attend. Ms. Thomas and Mr. McVey stated that they would be interested in attending. V. New Business A. FRDAP Grant for Wilson Park Project Mr. Wildner reported that the City is applying for a FRDAP Grant for the Wilson Park Project. The City is allowed to apply for up to $200,000, and the City would have to match an additional $200,000, making the total grant $400,000. If they apply for less, it would be matched accordingly. The project includes the Wilson Center, as well as the Park. Currently, there are estimates of $4 million that would cover the building, the pool and related uses. The building itself will cost over $2 million. Vice Chair Orlove requested that the Board discuss the Commission's vote on the Winchester property and the development of the area between Gateway and Old Boynton Road. Vice Chair Orlove noted that even though the Commission voted on this, the plans for the "urban village" and Super Target are still in theory. The developers would have to come back to the City with site plans for approval before the property could be developed. Mr. Wildner explained that the Commission voted at the last meeting to transmit the concept to the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council. Because the project equates to a Development of Regional Impact (DRI, it must be reviewed by other agencies. After the Treasure Coastal Regional Planning Council reviews the plans, they would make recommendations on how to proceed with the site plan. The project consisted of two components. One component was a Suburban Mixed-Use Zoning District that would include shops and residential units in an urban village. The second component would be a 20-acre parcel on the southwest corner of the property that would allow for a major "draw." It has been indicated that Target may be relocating there, but Target is only one of three potential regional draws that could be located at that site. The developer felt it 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 was important to have a major anchor in order to attract customers to the smaller shops located nearby. Discussion has taken place about putting a "big box" on the site and whether or not this was needed. It was noted that there are ways to make the Target more appealing by changing the design of the store to make it more attractive. Vice Chair Orlove inquired when the public would be able to address the plans and inquired if citizens could express their opinions to the Treasure Coast Planning Council. Mr. Wildner explained that the Treasure Coast Regional Planning Council addresses the regional impact of a DRI and a traffic study must be submitted to the County as well. Vice Chair Orlove expressed concerns that there would not be a sufficient amount of open space. Mr. Wildner felt it would be appropriate for the Recreation and Parks Board to begin to express what they would like to see on the site. A lot of agencies will be providing input and this Board could also provide its input. Mr. Majors recommended that this become an item on the agenda so that he and Mr. Wildner could keep the Board updated as things progress. Mr. Wildner noted that at the Commission meeting there was a great deal of discussion about greenspace and several people spoke about this during the public audience portion of the meeting. Some people would like to see 50% of the development devoted to greenspace in return for approving the change in zoning. The actual recreational requirement for the site would be a fee based upon the number of units that could either be money or land in lieu of the fee. Under the current code, they could purchase land from the developer There was discussion about the 1,120 units that would be built. If this were the case, and using a formula that would assume that the average unit would be a townhouse at $771 per unit and $560 for each multi-family unit or apartment, this could equate to the developer having to dedicate approximately $800,000. Since the value of the land is costly, and an acre of land in Renaissance Commons has been determined to be worth close to $400,000, the City would only get two acres. Mr. Wildner explained how this would have worked under the old code where the City would have actually ended up getting close to 6 acres if land were dedicated in place of money. Ms. Peterfreund asked how this Board could assist in showing that there is a need for recreation and parks on this site. Mr. Majors indicated that Board members could speak at Commission meetings to express their views. Mr. Wildner also recommended that the Board pass a motion on this issue stating that as a result of the acquisition of additional land (the Winchester property) by the developer, there are items that this Board would like to see incorporated into the site. Mr. Wildner felt that the Commission would like to see some land included in the development. Since the City granted the developer Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 higher density, it would be appropriate for the developer to negotiate with the City for an appropriate amount of land to be devoted for recreation. Vice Chair Orlove recommended that this be added to next month's agenda for further discussion and consideration. Members should bring their thoughts and opinions to the next meeting on this subject and how they would like to address it. Ms. Peterfreund inquired that if the Board sent a letter to the City Manager would he reply in writing. She felt that the City has an obligation to make sure that there are sufficient recreational opportunities in the City when new developments come onboard as a result of changes being made to the City's zoning that benefit developers. Also, Ms. Peterfreund felt that the "big box" look should be addressed to make it more attractive. Mr. Williams stated that the City needed more recreational facilities, including new baseball fields. He thought that the land at Gateway, west of 1-95, would be appropriate for this purpose. Mr. Wildner noted that at one time the City actually owned this land and the original developers of Quantum wanted the land in order to have access to the railroad tracks. As a result, the City swapped this property for another piece of property of similar size located elsewhere within Quantum Park. Mr. Williams inquired if the site that the City owns in Quantum Park could also be developed as a playground. Mr. Wildner stated that this was possible. Originally the City felt that this would be a good place for active recreation since Quantum was intended as an industrial park and there would not be any residential uses that would object to lights and ballpark noise. However, things have changed and there are now townhouses located next to this site. Ms. Peterfreund inquired if this Board could have any impact on this development since Planning and Zoning already approved the 25' buffer. Mr. Wildner stated that this only applied to the Renaissance Commons project. He explained that the site plans for the Winchester property have not been submitted and it is not currently known what their plans are. Ms Peterfreund requested that staff keep the Board apprised of developments for this property. Mr. McVey requested that an item dealing with the Little League Park be placed on the next agenda. He noted that the Little League Park is in need of improvements and he would like this Board to address them. Mr. Majors will also add this as an item to the next agenda. Mr. McVey will prepare a list of items of what needs to be done to the Park. He felt that maintenance of the Park was a problem because of the lack of staff. He would like to see more staff dedicated to the active parks. Mr. McVey recommended the Board visit the Park so that he could point out what needs to be done at the Park. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida July 26, 2004 B. Monthly Report No discussion. C. Items for the City Manager's Attention Mr. Williams reiterated that the City needs another bus for the City's recreational needs. Vice Chair Orlove felt it would be beneficial to have backup as to why another bus is needed. He requested that this be placed on next month's agenda. Staff will work with Mr. Williams to prepare justification for a new bus. VI. Next Meeting: August 23, 2004, 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center VII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (July 28, 2004) lO