Loading...
Minutes 05-22-06 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION &. PARKS BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, MAY 22, 2006 AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Elizabeth Pierce-Roe, Chair William Orlove, Vice Chair John Allard Patti Hammer Tom Williams Pamela Winters Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent Absent: Janelle Sloan John McVey, Alternate James McMahon, Alternate I. Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Chair Pierce-Roe distributed Certificates of Appreciation to board members who were not present at the recent Board Dinner. Ms. Rivers distributed updates to the Orientation Manual to all board members. Chair Pierce-Roe described the actions taken in honor of retiring long-time board member, Betty Thomas. The board had expressed interest in doing something that would express its gratitude and respect for Ms. Thomas, in appreciation for her many years of dedicated service. Ms. Rivers, Mr. Majors, and Chair Pierce-Roe worked together to obtain a gift certificate from the Prime Catch restaurant and flowers for Ms. Thomas. Ms. Hammer noted Mr. Majors gave a touching tribute to Ms. Thomas at the time he presented the gift and flowers to her at the recent Board Dinner. Ms. Thomas was very appreciative. II. Attendance Chair Pierce-Roe took the roll and declared a quorum was present. III. Approval of Minutes of April 24, 2006 Ms. Rivers noted a change should be made on page 4 under the Monthly Report. Where it said 3%, it should say .03%. Out of 5,000 Parks and Recreation agencies, less than 50 had been accredited. Motion Mr. Orlove moved to approve the minutes of April 24, 2006 as amended. Ms. Winters seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida Chair Pierce-Roe added an item to the agenda pertaining to Quantum Park. May 22, 2006 She then introduced visitors from the USA Netball Association, who were not on the agenda but were given an opportunity to speak. The spokesperson for the group was Ms. Sonja Rodney, USA Netball Association Director, who explained the game of netball and presented a request for the City to allow them to practice in one of its facilities. Their goal was to bring the sport to the local youth. Three of the visitors were now living in Boynton Beach. Ms. Rodney declared the game originated in the United States but was not as well known there as it was in Australia, New Zealand and the Caribbean. It was now played in 84 countries around the world. Ms. Rodney's organization wanted America to be a part of the netball game. There are clubs now from Miami to Orlando and Tampa in Florida. The game is a little bit like basketball, but there is no backboard. The court is longer and is divided into three sections. Netball is played on a court 100 ft. by 50 ft. There are seven players on the court and designated areas in which to play. Netball is a fast game - the ball must be passed within 3 seconds. The game is played for one-hour periods divided into four quarters or 40 minutes, divided into two twenty-minute halves. Their organization recently hosted the World Youth Championship in Broward County. According to Ms. Rodney, netball is the most popular female team sport in the world. Ms. Rodney noted that their players had to travel to Fort Lauderdale to practice and play and they sought the board's help to gain the use of some facilities so they could play and practice closer to home. She suggested the Ezell Hester Center would be very suitable and that netball courts could also be set up in public areas. Mr. Williams asked if they had problems getting into Ezell Hester Center and Ms. Rodney said they had tried a few years ago, without success. Mr. Williams thought he could possibly help work this out and offered to discuss it with Ms. Mary DeGraffenreidt, who was in charge at the Ezell Hester Center. Chair Pierce-Roe asked Ms. Rodney how often they would play or practice. Ms. Rodney responded at club level, usually no more than twice a week. League matches were usually played on a weekend. Ms. Rodney encouraged the board members to access www.usanetball.com to learn more about the sport. Ms. Rivers offered to set up a meeting and asked Ms. Rodney to call her office to discuss this. Vice Chair Orlove asked for the item to be put on the next agenda for an update. He hoped at some point they could come back and finish their presentation and show their slides. The presentation was very well received. IV. Unfinished Business The board decided to address the Quantum Park item that was added to the agenda first. Ms. Rivers declared D.R. Horton had proposed digging the lake, sodding the area, irrigating it, putting in some landscaping, doing the parking lot and entrance, and leaving further development to the City. They had not made a formal commitment to do so yet, and in the meantime, Ms. Rivers had a landscape architect do a conceptual site plan, which she shared with the board. This site plan incorporated the nature center/horticultural garden suggested by Ms. Angela Budano, a kayak ramp to the canal, and the idea of using some of the conservation land for trails. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 22, 2006 This was a 13-14 acre undeveloped park site having lots of problems at present with dumping, homeless visitors, ATVs and noise. In terms of the Capital Improvement Program, this park was not even on the radar, but D. R. Horton's assistance would definitely help to develop this park. D. R. Horton also said Quantum Development needed more drainage capacity. The City could actually sell the drainage capacity to them to get money to make further improvements to the park and it would be an ongoing revenue stream. If D. R. Horton finished this work by next year, Vice Chair Orlove asked if they could put some money towards it. Ms. Rivers commented the City was struggling at present with the cost overruns on the new library and the new Wilson Center, but there were other ways to get things done. They could probably get a volunteer group from the Sierra Club to come do the trails, for example There were also the Boy Scouts, the Audubon Society, and possible mitigation funds from developers for trees they had to tear dO'Im relocate elsewhere in order to build. Ms. Rivers noted developers often came to the Parks Department to ask where they could put the trees they had to remove, and the City had no place to put them. Those trees could be used for reforestation at this site. When Vice Chair Orlove commented any improvements would have to be maintained, Ms. Rivers responded they would go in with Bahia grass and contract out a mow and blow. The board was very pleased to hear about D.R. Horton's offer and looked forward to further developments. A. Nomination for Naming Nautica Park Site Knollwood Park Mr. Rivers announced this had been discussed at the previous meeting, but exactly 30 days had not elapsed, as required by policy. A motion could be made that in two days, the board would approve naming Nautica Park Knollwood Park. Motion Vice Chair Orlove moved that the board would name the Nautica Park Site Knollwood Park in lieu of the two days more for the deadline to expire. Ms. Hammer seconded the motion that passed unanimously. B. Nomination for Naming Reconstructed Wilson Pool after John Denson, Former Lifeguard at Wilson Pool) Chair Pierce-Roe indicated the board had received a letter of recommendation from Commissioner McCray to name the Wilson Pool after John Denson. Vice Chair Orlove asked if any further community support should be sought for this. Mr. Williams said Mr. Denson had been at the Pool for about 40 years and had taught a lot of children how to swim. He believed the community would definitely support this naming. Motion Mr. Williams moved to support naming the new Wilson Pool after John Denson in lieu of the two days more for the deadline to expire. Ms. Hammer seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 22, 2006 C. Nomination for Naming Intracoastal Park Clubhouse in Honor of Sam Wright Since the Chair was one of the candidates, she recused herself on this issue. Vice Chair Orlove temporarily chaired the meeting. Ms. Rivers noted Ms. Rahming had come to the previous meeting to explain why she thought this Clubhouse should be named in honor of Sam Wright. There were also letters in support of another candidate, Chair Pierce-Roe. Vice Chair Orlove commented there were actually two candidates, but only one name listed on the agenda. Ms. Rivers believed there was a presentation on behalf of Sam Wright, but no nomination. The board had earlier put in a nomination for naming the Clubhouse after Elizabeth Pierce-Roe. So, the board could act on the only nomination that was on the floor. Motion Ms. Winters moved to table this item until the next meeting. Ms. Hammer seconded the motion. Ms. Hammer asked if Elizabeth Pierce-Roe's name had ever been put into nomination? Vice Chair Orlove thought that if someone addressed the board saying they wanted to name a building or structure after a particular person, the 30-day period began at that time. When the board named the building after Carolyn Sims, it was presented to the board and it was not anyone from the board. The board waited 30 days. The letter spoke for itself and during the 30 days a couple of more letters were received. And that was when the board voted to name the facility after Carolyn Sims. He thought the same situation existed now. There were letters for both candidates. Ms. Rivers indicated the nomination came in the form of support letters and the board did not have to do a formal nomination. The board could vote on recommendations to send to the City Commission or table the issue. Ms. Winters rescinded her earlier motion. Motion Ms. Hammer moved to recommend the Intracoastal Clubhouse be named after Elizabeth Pierce- Roe. Ms. Winters seconded the motion. Vice Chair Orlove inquired whether there were enough members to vote on this. Ms. Rivers said they had a quorum,S out of 9. The motion passed 5-0, Chair Pierce-Roe abstaining. Vice Chair Orlove suggested a letter be sent to Ms. Lena Rahming, who had proposed naming the Intracoastal Clubhouse after Sam Wright, explaining the board had named it after someone else, but would consider naming another facility after Mr. Wright. A copy of the letter should also be sent to Mr. Bressner, he felt. Vice Chair Orlove offered to draft the letter and the board concurred. He would write the letter as the Vice Chair, speaking on behalf of the board. Chair Pierce-Roe resumed chairing the meeting. 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 22, 2006 v. New Business A. Boat Club Park Dredging and Restroom Renovation Ms. Rivers declared they were applying for a grant through the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission to dredge the channel in front of Boat Club Park and renovate the restrooms. There was quite a bit of silt from Hurricane Wilma and the channel was rather shallow, leading to complaints that people drawing more than two feet were getting bumped. Chair Pierce-Roe noted when it had been dredged before, it was supposed to last 3-4 years, and that time was approaching. Three buoys were lost going into the channel and Ms. Rivers commented the grant would cover extra buoys. B. Congress Avenue Community Park Master Plan Ms. Rivers displayed the Master Plan for the Congress Avenue Community Park and pointed out its features. The plan was a result of considerable discussion and feedback between the consultants, the board, the Commission, the steering committee, staff, experts in physically challenged individuals, professionals from many walks of life, and the general public. A prominent feature of the park was the Boundless Center, which was to be a light and airy place that led into a heavily wooded palm court where parents could watch their children in three playground areas. The playground areas were at least as large as the ones in John Prince Park. There would be different garden areas and lots of trails going all through the park with discovery areas for children. The existing wetlands were to be enhanced to become an environmental education opportunity. A special pond was planned for children with limitation disabilities to facilitate a water experience. A lot of topography would be added with some places 16 feet and others 22 feet in height, but the ADA standards would still be met. Mr. Williams was concerned about the amount of water in the park and whether anyone would be watching the children. Ms. Rivers responded they were going to make sure the edges of the pond were constructed in such a way that the pond would not be accessible, especially trailside, by using landscaping, fencing, and boulders. Chair Pierce-Roe recalled that places to fish had come out on top in the recent recreational survey. Ms. Rivers noted the pond had been stocked. They would put in a pier and pavilion for shade and that would then be a perfect fishing place. It was just one more thing that would extend the realm of possibilities for the users of the park. Chair Pierce-Roe remarked that in the feedback discussions concerning this park, a special trail or walkway was suggested so members of the senior center could walk through the park and push wheelchairs along the trail. Ms. Rivers acknowledged that was the case. A children's performance plaza was planned. It was made clear this was not a place where there would be amplified music. It was intended for things like puppet shows, movies, sing- alongs and so forth. The area would be recessed into a bowl kind of configuration to further dampen any noise that might be created. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida May 22, 2006 Vice Chair Orlove recalled the concerns of the residents about not having this area be an open theater with hundreds of people coming to an event. It was suggested there not be any chairs but only open lawn seating in the area. Ms. Hammer stated that the residents of Hunters Run and Chanteclair would be very interested in the specifications for this performance area since they did not want more traffic or large groups of people coming to the park for events. It was mentioned that an amphitheater as large as the one in Old School Square in Delray Beach would be too large. Vice Chair Orlove thought the park might attract special events, and Ms. Rivers responded they had to have a permit and the City had veto power on those permits. He felt this had to be made clear to the residents in the area. Ms. Hammer was thankful there was going to be an entrance on Congress Avenue, although the main entrance was still on S.W. 30th Avenue. Ms. Rivers declared they had met with WXEL who were very excited about this and agreed to share parking and allow the enhancement of the area behind their building. Ms. Rivers noted the Commission had just approved a traffic study to assess the impact of the park on the area. Also, there was enough room on S.W. 30th Avenue to put two left hand turn lanes, which should help. Chair Pierce-Roe asked about bounce houses, and Ms. Rivers was not sure this park would be an appropriate place to have that. Chair Pierce-Roe commented that even though there was no amplified music in Boat Club Park, people were setting up speaker systems that could be very loud. Ms. Rivers responded they had not been aware of the fact people were at the park with bands until a few weeks ago and when they discovered it, they turned off the electricity. Ms. Hammer felt that as long as there were public parks, people would bring speakers and do things they were not supposed to do - it was an ongoing problem. Ms. Rivers indicated that Boat Club Park closed at night for all those who were not fishing or boating. If people were playing amplified music, the Police could be called. Ms. Rivers announced meetings would be held with a professional fund raising organization in the near future to develop the marketing and fundraising program for the park. The organization they were meeting with just raised $40M for the Dreher Park Zoo. The Science Museum decided to go about its fundraising program on its own and was not successful. Vice Chair Orlove asked if the funding measure in the State Legislature had passed, and Ms. Rivers declared it had not. She commented it usually took two to three years for a write-on bill to pass. Vice Chair Orlove asked what could be obtained through grants and foundations, and Ms. Rivers responded the feasibility study done by the fundraisers should produce that information. Ms. Rivers declared the consultant was working up the cost analysis and breaking the job into phases to see if they wanted to get all the funds first or go in phases. That would be the next report she would bring back to the board. There was $650K this year and $lM next year in the Capital Improvement Projects program, but it was in jeopardy, because it was not sure how far that would go towards funding the park and if they could even be ready to use it at the right time. Ms. Rivers believed they would need all of the $650K just for construction drawings for this ambitious project. C. Monthly Report 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Park Board Boynton Beach, Florida Oceanfront Park May 22, 2006 Vice Chair Orlove inquired about the temporary lifeguard stands at Oceanfront Park and when they would be redone. Ms. Rivers replied they were going out for bid in the next few weeks and were hopeful they could find a contractor in South Florida who would undertake this comparatively small $90K project. If they could not find one, they were thinking of other ways they could do this such as piggybacking on an existing contract. Vice Chair Orlove asked how long the various areas, including the women's room, had been roped off. Ms. Rivers responded that had been the case since Hurricane Wilma. The City put all the roof damage into one bid and had just finally gotten the bid back in. Since the beach was not closed, Public Works may put a low priority on starting the job, but it was up to them. Ms. Hammer asked if the certification had been received yet. Ms. Rivers responded the certification team would be present in Boynton Beach in July. They would have to go to Seattle in October to find out if they passed. D. Items for the City Manger's Attention The three park nominations for naming City facilities should be forwarded to the City Manager. VI. Discussion Mr. Williams asked about a bus for the Recreation & Parks Department and Ms. Rivers responded the new bus had just come in. It had 35 seats with seat belts, air conditioning, and CD players. The board was very pleased to hear this. VII. Next Meeting: June 26, 2006, 6:30 p.m. at the Senior Center VIII. Adjournment Since there was no further business before the board, the meeting was duly adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, r -- -'.)7 ~ ~(~-?a1{ t?~/-/ Susan Collins Recording Secretary (060106) 7