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Minutes 03-28-05MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MARCH 28, 2005 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Betty Pierce, Chairperson William Orlove, Vice Chair Ralph Diaz Betty Thomas Pam Winters John Spannuth, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent Absent: Margaret Murphy Tom Williams John McVey, Alternate I. Call to Order Chairperson Pierce called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. II. Attendance Chairperson Pierce called the roll and declared a quorum was present. This would have been Board Member Margaret Murphy's last meeting, but she is unable to make the meeting. Mr. Majors reported Mr. McVey could no longer participate on the Board. Mr. Majors noted Tom Williams was having hip replacement surgery and would be out for two meetings. Members wished him well. Chairperson Pierce introduced Debby Coles-Dobay, Chairperson of the Arts Commission and Arts Commission Liaison, Arleen Dennison. III. Approval of Minutes Mr. Majors requested the following corrections be made to the minutes: the date in the last paragraph on Page 2 should be changed to "March 15, 2005." On page 3, first full paragraph the word "ago" should be added after "two years." On page 6, in the third from the last paragraph, the "City of Ocean Ridge" should be changed to the "Town of Ocean Ridge." On page 4, Vice Chair Orlove requested what he said in the second to the last sentence be clarified to read "Vice Chair Orlove was in favor of saving the School that could be Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2005 For developers that want to participate in the program, they have included a provision that would allow them to contribute money in lieu of participation. The program is also being reviewed by the City's Planning and Zoning staff, the Community Redevelopment Agency, the Legal Department and other City Departments. They have already received feedback and recommendations from some City Departments. When a project comes to the City, they would look at the project at the planning stage to determine how the funds could best be used to create an image for the project. Art recommended for a project would be for a public space and to make sure it fits in with the marketing objects of the project. There may be times when a recommendation would be made to send the project out to the Art Selection Committee. This would entail a call for artists, which mean artists would submit their resume and from the submissions a jury-selected panel would review the submissions. The jury would be made up of qualified people, such as a museum director, businessperson and people with art backgrounds. When the artist selection is narrowed down, those artists selected would submit their proposal for the project that would include a mock-up of what they are proposing, how it would be produced, the materials that would be used, etc. These criteria would apply to large-scale projects. Small-scale projects would not be subject to this process. They are setting up and maintaining a database of artists in the area that could be solicited when they are looking for artists for a project. Also, their plan addresses maintaining the art once it is in place. It is important that the integrity of the artist's project be maintained appropriately. When referring to art, they have included visual art that could be mosaic walls, paintings within a structure, and functional type art, such as fountains, benches, trellises, etc. Examples of what she is speaking about would be on display at the workshop. Chairperson Pierce inquired about the status of the museum along the waterfront that had been discussed a few years ago. Ms. Coles-Dobay stated this type of project would provide a great opportunity to introduce art. Ms. Winters noted the CRA Director had introduced building a sea creature museum along the waterfront. Chairperson Pierce felt having this type of museum could be a signature product of the City. Vice Chair Orlove inquired when the Arts Commission anticipated they would have sufficient funds to begin planning for art projects. Ms. Coles-Dobay said their recommendations first have to be brought to the City Commission. In the meantime, they are bringing their program to other Boards and groups in the City for their comments and recommendations. (Ms. Cheryl Arflin, a member of the Arts Commission arrived at 7:00 p.m.) Chairperson Pierce discussed the many projects going up along Federal Highway and as a member of INCA, they are trying to get the CRA to improve Federal Highway to Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2005 complement these new developments. She has been trying to get benches and trashcans placed next to each bus stop as part of a beautification process for this roadway. The Harbors development placed a bench and a beautiful trellis in front of their property. Ms. Coles-Dobay explained when art is placed into poorer areas, the residents assume a sense of ownership and pride in the artwork. Chairperson Pierce pointed out that at the HeritageFest there was a contest for local artists to decorate trashcans, benches and portajohns. Ms. Dennison requested members attend the workshop and bring these ideas with them. Mr. Majors would like to see art incorporated into bike racks. Ms. Dennison reported the Arts Commission judged the entries for the Sister Cities Youth Ad Exhibit and noted the Arts Commission was available to participate in these types of events. Ms. Rivers would like to have City parks developed with a theme. Mr. Majors noted the Southeast Neighborhood Park would be coming on line and this might provide an opportunity to retain the legacy of the mangrove farm on which the park is located. Also, when Jaycee Park is developed, art could be included that would create pride for the residents. Chairperson Pierce felt it was important for the City to maintain its identity as a coastal community. Ms. Coles-Dobay stated the Ads Commission wants to celebrate and educate people about the City's culture and history. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if there is consideration being given to having a theme, such as the sailfish, throughout the City. Ms. Coles-Dobay felt this was something they could look at. She thought it was important Boynton Beach create an image and this has been brought up over the years without any success. The Arts Commission has addressed this in their report. For members that cannot attend the Arts Commission Workshop, Ms. Coles-Dobay offered to mail them the questionnaire that would be used at the Workshop. Mr. Majors will coordinate sending out the questionnaire. He felt the Boundless Park would be a good place to introduce art. They will be contracting with a landscape architect to begin site planning. Ms. Coles-Dobay noted at their last meeting they reviewed all the City parks and would like to take a tour of them. Mr. Majors stated the Recreation and Parks Board normally takes an annual tour of the Parks and they could invite the Arts Commission as well. The Arts Commission identified two places for art; one was Palmetto Greens and the Boundless Park. Members felt there were several areas in the City where art could be introduced. Chairperson Pierce recommended taking the tour for their May meeting because it would be light a lot later. Mr. Majors also felt this Board would need enough time to 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2005 review the document and offer their views and recommendations. He could provide the Arts Commission with the opinions of this Board. Mr. Spannuth inquired if the Arts Commission solicited private foundations and civic organizations for funding. He felt it was important that a feeling of community ownership be created. He also thought since this Board dealt with recreation, physical education and sports, it would be nice to have art with those themes at Recreation and Parks facilities. He noted there is a great deal of sports art in the country and there is a Sports' Hall of Fame located at the United States Sports Academy. Many athletics have come from Boynton Beach and he thought some kind of artwork could be done to recognize these athletes. Mr. Spannuth also thought the Arts Commission might want to look at other communities to determine what problems or obstacles they may have encountered when they tried to introduce art into their community. Ms. Arflin inquired if there was a listing of the athletes that Boynton Beach has produced. Mr. Spannuth felt Board member Tom Williams would be a good source for this information. Ms. Dennison provided members with the Arts Commission Report and the flyer for their workshop scheduled for Monday, April 4th in the Library Program Room at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Coles-Dobay thanked members for their input. Anyone wishing to contact her could do so by E-mail at debby@ coles-dobay.com. V. Unfinished Business A. Old High School Vice Chair Orlove reported the Community Redevelopment Agency would be taking over the Old High School project. Ms. Dennison noted last week the CRA agreed to present the City with a proposal to acquire the Old High School. The CRA will be partnering with the Boynton Cultural Center to determine the uses for the building. The Schoolhouse Children's Museum fully covers programs for children between 2 and 8. However, there needs to be a place for older children, teenagers and the senior population in the City. Therefore, development of the Old High School is not to be considered an extension of the Children's Museum, but as a cultural center and what could be offered in the building for the entire community. Ms. Dennison felt there was room for concessions, traveling exhibits and the building would provide a great opportunity for Art Commission involvement. Vice Chair Orlove would like the Recreation and Parks Board to be involved in the project and he would like to have recreation considered part of the Old High School as well. At some point, Ms. Dennison thought it would be feasible to discuss programming. Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2005 Ms. Dennison pointed out Boynton Beach High School has a 700-seat theater that could be utilized for performing arts and she felt the events for both buildings needed to be coordinated in order to be successful. B. Arts Commission (Previously Addressed) C. Senior Center Mr. Majors reported that Phase 3 has begun. He anticipates this will be completed within 180 days. The kitchen and bathrooms will be expanded and another meeting room will be added. D. Congress Avenue Community Park- Boundless Playground Ms. Rivers is now in charge of this project. Ms. Rivers reported an RFP for a landscape architect would be going out. They anticipate having someone on board within two months. At least two public workshops would take place, since two are required by the Boundless Playground organization. The purpose of the workshops is to come up with a conceptual master plan. Ms. Debbie Majors and Ms. Ginny Shea will be putting together a fundraising strategy. It is possible that the Legislature may appropriate $250,000 for Boundless Playgrounds. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if it went before the City Commission for approval. Ms. Rivers stated it did go before the Commission and they approved the project. Mr. Majors stated some funds would be put in the CIP for next fiscal year for the playground, but he is not certain of the amount. He does anticipate receiving some support from the State and the entire project could result in a multi-million dollar facility. The project not only includes a park and a playground, but a small building. Chairperson Pierce inquired if the Sister Cities would be involved in the project that would include gardens. Ms. Dennison noted Angela Budano, who is a member of the Arts Commission, has a background in therapeutic gardens and could be of assistance. Ms. Rivers stated they would like to make this park an "environmental experience." Eo Update Recreation & Open Space Element of the Comprehensive Master Plan Ms. Rivers reported they received the Open Space Element Report from the consultant last month and staff is currently reviewing it. They will be meeting with Planning and Zoning this week and shortly thereafter with Public Works. After those meetings, staff will provide their comments to the consultant. VI. New Business A. Report - Meeting with Ocean Ridge Town Manager Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 28, 2005 Mr. Majors reported they met with the Town Manager of Ocean Ridge, but noted he is only serving in this capacity on a short-term contract. As a result, although he thought doing something with the snack bar might be worthwhile, discussing it with him might be premature. Staff will again go through the bid process for a vendor for the snack bar and the existing vendor does have an opportunity to bid. Once the new vendor is in place, staff will again contact the Town of Ocean Ridge. Vice Chair Orlove inquired when the bid would be going out. Mr. Majors stated it would be in June or July. B. Monthly Report Vice Chair Orlove noted in the January 2005 monthly report, under marketing promotions, there were 54 30-second radio ads. Vice Chair Orlove asked what radio stations the ads were on and what was the purpose of the ads. Mr. Majors will check on this and report back to Vice Chair Orlove. C. Items for the City Manager's Attention Members welcomed back City Manager Bressner and wished him a speedy recovery. VII. Next Meeting: April 25, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center Members discussed taking the bus tour of the parks on May 23, which is their regular meeting date. This will be finalized at the April meeting. VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (April 4, 2005) 7