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Minutes 09-26-05 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2005 AT 630 P.M. Present: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair William Orlove, Vice Chair Patti Hammer Betty Thomas Tom Williams Pam Winters Wally Majors, Recreation Director Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent Absent: Janelle Sloan John McVey, Alternate Also Present: Angela Sudano, Member of the Arts Commission David Katz, Resident of the Windemere, the Meadows, Boynton Beach I. Call to Order Chairperson Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. II. Attendance Chairperson Pierce-Roe called the roll and announced a quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes of August 22, 2005 Motion Vice Chair Orlove moved to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by Ms. Hammer and unanimously carried. v. Unfinished Business A. Greenways/Sikeways Plans Ms. Rivers reported that approximately $50,000 to $60,000 is included in this year's CIP budget for the purpose of doing some construction drawings for the next portion of the Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 Palmetto Linear Park Project. There is money in future years for construction and purchase of property. Mr. Majors stated staff would continue to identify opportunities for growth. If any residential pieces need to be pursued, staff will do so. Staff will keep the Board informed of the progress for the greenways project, since the Board identified it as a priority. The item will remain on the agenda for this purpose. Chairperson Pierce-Rose spoke with Vice Mayor McCray since there is a great deal of greenway/bikeway property in his district. She also informed him about Ms. Budano's proposed project for the Quantum property. Vice Mayor McCray was unaware of any intended use for this area. B. CIP Meeting Review Mr. Majors noted that the Quantum park site was included in the CIP budget. He discussed the recent CIP budget that focused upon the entire CIP for the City. He pointed out the CIP is funded for the next two fiscal years. When they arrive at the third year, additional funds would have to be found to fund the projects for the third through fifth years. The recreation and parks staff is looking at increasing the impact fee and Mr. Majors noted the City was well below market standards when it comes to impact fees. They are also pursuing grants for projects. Mr. Majors pointed out that Mr. Katz was present tonight to discuss a use for one of the park sites that the Board visited last month. Mr. Majors pointed out the CIP workshop focused heavily on the Wilson Pool. Over the past several months some of the latent defects became evident, and after analyzing the overall condition of the pool, staff brought a recommendation to the City Commission that it would be feasible to build a new pool. If the existing pool were replaced with the same type of pool, it would not cost much more than if the existing structure were modified. It was discovered that a new pool could be built with the current CIP budget. This could be accomplished by using the funds allocated for a spray ground and redirecting those funds to the main pool. The new pool that will be presented to the Commission in October would be designed in accordance with modern standards. The pool would have a learn-to-swim area, areas for play and fun, a water slide and water play features resulting in a pool in tune with the way pools are being used now. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if there would be a zero entrance. Mr. Majors stated the entrance would be very shallow since there is not enough room for a "beach entrance;" however, the entrance would be very shallow to accommodate novice swimmers. Mr. Majors pointed out new pools no longer have diving wells and from staff's point of view, 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26,2005 this is something that should be avoided. Mr. Majors reiterated that the new pools are designed for swimming lessons and play and fun. Ms. Hammer asked about the depth of the pool and Mr. Majors responded it would average between 3' and 5'. The pool would come with a water slide and spray and splash features. Mr. Williams asked if the pool would be relocated, since the current pool is too close to the sidewalk. When he worked at the pool, it was hard to keep the pool up because of the close proximity to the road. Mr. Majors noted the pool could not be relocated because the current pump room would remain and be utilized. The locker rooms will be modified and another bathroom will be added. Mr. Majors pointed out that the design of the new pool would be attractive, and new lifeguard chairs, a handicap ramp and a broader deck to allow parents to watch their children would be added. The pool would be constructed to accommodate children with limited swimming ability. Mr. Majors anticipated when the new pool was built, the residents would take ownership and would not tolerate people vandalizing their pool. Staff is very excited about the new pool, together with a much-improved Wilson Park that will be the catalyst for the Heart of Boynton. The old pool would be demolished, but the new pool would be built in the same footprint. Mr. Williams inquired if the ballpark would remain and Mr. Majors responded it would be a multi-purpose park. Mr. Williams thought the pool could have been turned around and placed in this area. Mr. Majors responded if the pump room had to be replaced, it would have been cost prohibitive and the pool would not be built. Mr. Williams inquired if traffic would be redirected away from the pool, except for local traffic. The City is hopeful that the Heart of Boynton would rejuvenate the community and create pride. Mr. Majors pointed out the pool was built in 1961 with 1950's standards and now it will be designed with 2005 standards. Ms. Thomas noted the citizens voted to build a new Wilson Pool. Mr. Williams inquired when construction would start. Mr. Majors responded that there is one remaining vacant piece of property that had to be acquired. After this is acquired, construction could begin. The City has already acquired four parcels needed for the park. Chairperson Pierce-Roe inquired how much staff would be required to maintain the pool. Mr. Majors said a minimum of three lifeguards would be needed. Chairperson Pierce-Roe recalled that previously, the City had problems attracting lifeguards to work at the pool. Mr. Majors felt this was attributable to the poor condition of the pool. There is a nationwide shortage of lifeguards and the City has difficulty filling fulltime positions; therefore, to fill a part time position at a pool is difficult. However, a brand new facility should help with recruiting more staff. The pool would actually require five to six lifeguards. Also, it would be heated and opened year round. Chairperson Pierce-Roe recommended instituting some kind of incentive program to attract lifeguards, and Ms. Rivers responded the City does have these types of programs. Ms. Rivers said staff would be looking at this, especially the salary, in order 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 to attract more lifeguards. Chairperson Pierce-Roe felt in the past the City did not provide enough support to attract lifeguards, compared to other cities. Ms. Rivers also explained the junior lifeguard programs are lagging in interest from participants, but the City caters to those that join the program. Ms. Winters commented the shortage of lifeguards at the City's beach is a problem as well. Mr. Williams recommended that the person in charge of the pool should be well trained. Mr. Majors noted that Brett Rolle is a certified pool operator, who will be at the pool. He also noted the beach captain is a certified lifeguard instructor, so the City could now do its own certification. He also pointed out the City's beach is only 900' compared to Delray Beach that has three to four miles of beach. Because of the size of the City's Beach, a smaller staff is required. The City has eight fulltime lifeguards, whereas Delray Beach has twice this number. This results in less flexibility to take on auxiliary programs. Mr. Majors explained there is a difference between a pool lifeguard and beach lifeguard. A lifeguard at a pool is in a closed, controlled environment; whereas the beach is open surf. Ms. Winters felt that ocean lifeguards should earn more money. Mr. Majors explained ocean lifeguards are usually trained in emergency situations or are paramedics and receive extra pay for this training. Pool lifeguards are normally first responders, which is the minimum requirement for this position. Usually after a pool lifeguard has gained more experience, they like to move up to a beach lifeguard. Since it is anticipated the pool would be opening in 2007, staff has started plans for recruitment and training. When a facility is nice looking, it is a more appealing place to work. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if any of the Board's priorities were included in the CIP budget. Mr. Majors responded every City park site was included in the CIP, but no adjustments between fiscal years could be made, because the priorities in the first two years are tied to grants or some other form of commitment. Ms. Rivers noted a large number of projects were maintenance based. With regard to items discussed at the last meeting, greenways and Wilson Pool were included. Ms. Rivers explained that the projects in progress had to be completed before moving to new projects. Vice Chair Orlove asked if Girl Scout Park was included. Mr. Majors noted Girl Scout Park was in the fiscal year 2008/09. Ms. Hammer asked about the status of the Boundless Park. Mr. Majors said Boundless Park is in the October 1, 2005 budget. Ms. Rivers responded it would be funded over a period two or more years. Mr. Majors pointed out that there is not an abundance of resources available and there are priorities the City has to deal with, such as staffing the new fire stations and hiring new police officers. The Nautica Park Site will also be funded by the developer because they need the fill from this property. 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 Ms. Hammer asked about the equipment at the playgrounds. Ms. Rivers explained over a period of five years, all park furniture and playground equipment would be replaced. Mr. Majors also noted the park signs would be replaced. Discussion took place regarding the usage of the City parks. Mr. Majors noted there was a large population of Hispanics living in the Pence Park area and he would like to see this park developed for their use, since it is no longer popular for softball. Currently, many young Hispanic adults are using the park for soccer. Vice Chair Orlove asked about the boardwalk at the beach. Staff realizes the boardwalk needs to be replaced, but Ms. Rivers said it was taken out of the plan because they did not like the consultant's recommendations. Staff feels there are other alternatives that should be explored. As a result, an additional $50,000 was allocated to hire another consultant for this purpose. After that, it could be determined how the City wanted to proceed. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Arts Commission impact fee would affect the Recreation and Park's impact fee. Mr. Majors said that it would have no effect. Mr. Williams asked what the plans were for Sara Sims Park. Mr. Majors felt the basketball courts would be eliminated because new courts would be built at the Wilson Center. Mr. Williams also asked if Sara Sims Cemetery would be enlarged. Ms. Rivers said the Cemetery Board has not discussed this. The Boynton Beach Memorial Park Cemetery is being replatted, but Ms. Rivers was unaware of any plans for the Sara Sims Cemetery. Before doing anything, meetings with the neighbors would be scheduled. Mr. Majors recommended inviting Doug Hutchinson, the CRA Director to a meeting to discuss Sara Sims. v. New Business A. Recommendations to name new Intracoastal Park Clubhouse Chairperson Pierce-Roe asked if any more letters have been received in support of naming the Clubhouse after former City Commissioner Sam Wright. Mr. Majors said this was a decision the Board had to make it if wanted to move forward with this recommendation. If the Board wanted to proceed with this, Mr. Majors recommended that Mr. Williams speak with Lena Rahming who made the request. Mr. Williams said he would follow through with Mr. Majors request. Vice Chair Orlove questioned why it could not be named the Royal Palm Clubhouse that was demolished. Chairperson Pierce-Roe said that the residents of INCA also discussed five different names for the clubhouse since the clubhouse is located near their community. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26,2005 Ms. Winters inquired how people would know that they could request a name for a City facility. Vice Chair Orlove did not think it was this Board's responsibility to inform residents they could recommend names for City buildings. A lengthy discussion took place on the process of naming buildings or other City locations after people. Mr. Majors noted a contest was held when a name was selected for "Pond B," but this was done before the City put a process in place. Mr. Majors, as well as Mr. Williams, will contact Ms. Rahming to let her know the Board is contemplating her recommendation for the Intracoastal Clubhouse, but needs more support and background on Mr. Wright. B. Quantum Park SitefThe Gardens on Spring Creek Ms. Angela Budano presented some handouts in conjunction with her PowerPoint presentation that included areas she visited as follows: The Gardens on Spring Creek in Ft. Collins, Colorado, the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens in Wyoming, and the Art School at Colorado State University. The intent of the presentation was to demonstrate various uses that could be introduced to the Quantum Park Site owned by the City. Ms. Budano reviewed the sites visited and the various uses at each site. All kinds of groups utilized the sites, and at one site there were youth groups performing community service. Ms. Budano spoke on how the parks were sustainable and able to generate funds to operate. Many parks had naming opportunities that generated income and the buildings at the sites were built to be energy efficient. Also funds were generated through bonds, grants and private donations. The Gardens on Spring Creek have a greenhouse that was accessible to everyone. Also there were places for meditation and repose. Individual plots were available for people wanting their own plots for gardening. Most sites were handicap accessible. A peace garden was located within the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens. Many sites had lakes and ponds that Ms. Budano thought could be added to the Quantum Park site. Also, people volunteered to help with the upkeep of facilities. The park could also be used for educational purposes for all ages of students. Ms. Rivers commented that the park had no boundaries and was free form. Ms. Budano pointed out that all these amenities were located on nine acres that could be easily achievable with the Quantum Park site. Having a park of this quality would be open to public art and in one park the garden was designed specifically for public art. Examples of public art were pointed out. These parks encourage community pride and demonstrate responsible planting. The Gardens on Spring Creek has 40,000 visitors each year and is able to provide the flowers grown in the greenhouse for all City properties. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 The project at Colorado State University was done through a grant and was designed by a student. Ms. Budano pointed out that the grass was also designed so that people in wheelchairs could lean over and feel the grass, which is an experience that a non- handicapped person would take for granted. An art garden was designed by one of the students that was a wonderful attraction for the park. Ms. Budano thought that many of the ideas illustrated could be achieved in the Quantum Park site. Ms. Budano concluded her presentation and hoped it had instilled inspiration in the Board to recommend moving forward with this project. Ms. Budano has been collecting brochures to determine entrance fees, membership fees and fund raising activities. She is studying horticultural therapy, which is taking therapy into the garden. She thought a good place to start with the garden would be with youth at risk. She has spoken with Ben Bryant who is in charge of the MAD DADS program in the schools. Mr. Bryant was very enthusiastic about the project and the vocational applications of the gardens where students could be educated to be arborists, etc. Ms. Budano also spoke to Ed Chase who is with the County's Legislative Delegation and State Representative Mary Brandenburg about funding. She was informed that she could apply for a Community Budget Issue Request. FRDAP funding could be sought once the current FRDAP grants have been completed. Mr. Katz pointed out the availability of County (Recreational Assistance Program) funds. Mr. Majors said County RAP funds are a good source of funding and the County Commissioner in that district would have to be determined. Members thought that Warren Newell would be the County Commissioner for that District. Mr. Majors said if the Board liked the concept presented by Ms. Budano and felt it was a viable alternative for the Quantum Park site, the next step would be for the Board to endorse it to determine if it could become part of the City's plan for future development. Chairperson Pierce-Roe pointed out the proximity of the site to Boynton Beach High School. Since students must perform a certain number of hours of community service to graduate, the park would be accessible for this purpose. It is close enough to the school to provide a great teaching experience by introducing students to this kind of environment. Ms. Budano was going to be joined at tonight's meeting by a woman that worked at Home Depot and had operated a children's garden in Boston. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Horticulture and a Master's Degree in Entomology and is very interested in this project. Chairperson Pierce-Roe noted during previous discussions the Board discussed having a bamboo entrance at Congress Park. She thought that some of Ms. Budano's ideas could be introduced at Congress Park as well. Ms. Rivers announced that four landscape architectural firms would be on contract by the City to use on an lias needed II basis. One of those firms would be selected for Congress Park. After staff receives input 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 from all the focus groups, the findings would be brought back to the Board. Currently, staff does not know what the concept for this park would be. Mr. Majors felt if the Board liked Ms. Budano's presentation for an intended use of the Quantum Park site, it would be beneficial if the Board endorsed the concept. This was a great opportunity to introduce something very new and unique in the City. Chairperson Pierce-Roe would like to have all City parks have some type of boundless equipment so all parks would be accessible to everyone. She thought what Ms. Budano was introducing was new and would be suitable for the Quantum Park site. Motion Ms. Thomas moved that this Board should encourage Ms. Budano to continue with her ideas to bring new activities and projects into the City. Motion seconded by Ms. Hammer. Mr. Williams felt this would be an excellent opportunity for students during the summer months. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if the Quantum Park site was included in the CIP budget. Mr. Majors stated it was in the plan several years away. Vice Chair Orlove inquired if there were grants available. Ms. Budano responded there is a great deal of funding available through the juvenile court system for these kinds of programs. They encourage communities to pursue them. Vice Chair Orlove also felt seniors would benefit from the site and he thought grants were available through the Department of Senior Affairs. The activities offered at the site could also become part of the City's senior programs. Ms. Budano responded that the facility would be inter- generational. She already spoke with the City's Grants Coordinator, Debby Majors, for funding sources and there are a great deal of grants available for inter-generational programs. However, Ms. Budano cannot move forward until she has something tangible to discuss. Ms. Rivers added that Ms. Budano needed to have a marketing plan and master plan before she could seek funding. Vote The motion carried unanimously. David Katz informed the Board he was a resident of the Windemere section of the Meadows. Previously, Mr. Katz had met with the former Parks Superintendent, John Wildner regarding the City's plans for the vacant piece of land between the Windemere section of the Meadows and Nautica Sound. At that time, Mr. Wildner informed him there were no immediate plans for this site, but eventually the property would be used to build a park similar to the one in Boynton Lakes and would cost around $750,000. Mr. Katz reported at their last homeowner's meeting, the Master Association for the entire Meadows asked him to watch what the City would be doing with this property. The Meadows would like to see this property developed as an ultra passive park with no structures. They would like a meandering path that would not require sod and to leave 8 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Board Boynton Beach, Florida September 26, 2005 the site in a natural state. He pointed out a lot of wildlife live on the site. They would like to see the property heavily planted with native trees and benches made of recycled material for sitting in shaded areas. They are opposed to having any parking, gazebos, or any structures on the land. If the land were not sodded, there would be no need for an irrigation system. Chairperson Pierce-Roe felt it would be very hot walking through the park without any kind of shelter. She pointed out it would take many years for trees to mature to provide shade for benches that people would be sitting on. Mr. Katz was not opposed to Nautica Sound introducing gazebos and parking on their portion of the land, but the Meadows did not want it on their side. Vice Chair Orlove inquired how people would access the land on the Windemere side of the park since a canal divides the property. Mr. Katz stated they were not opposed to having a bridge across the canal. He also pointed out that the Meadows has their own recreational amenities, plus a City park. C. Monthly Report Included in the agenda packet. D. Items for the City Manager's Attention None VI. Discussion None VII. Next Meeting: October 24,2005,6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center VIII. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ~-i4J,k~1-L. /t-,. Il\... ((.i-~ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (October 6, 2005) 9