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Minutes 06-25-07 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON MONDAY, JUNE 25, 2007, AT 6:30 P.M. Present: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair William Orlove, Vice chair David Barie Kurt Godfrey Janelle Sloan Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director Jody Rivers, Park Superintendent Absent: John Allard Patti Hammer John McVey, Alternate I. CAll TO ORDER Chair Pierce-Roe called the meeting to order at 6:33 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chair Pierce-Roe called the roll and declared a quorum was present. The board welcomed Mr. Godfrey, who introduced himself and provided information as to his background. Mr. Majors advised Mr. Godfrey would be proVided with a copy of the orientation manual and a tour of the Recreation and Parks facilities. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM: March 26, 2007 and April 23, 2007 (May meeting cancelled) Chair Pierce-Roe advised of a change in the April 23, 2007 minutes. On page 2, paragraph "B," the following sentence should be stricken: "Therefore, the name of the Memorial would be changed accordingly." Mr. Orlove moved to approve the minutes of March 26, 2007 and the minutes of April 23, 2007 as amended. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Paintball Mr. Majors provided an update. Mr. Robert Mealey, proprietor of a paintball supply store in the City, contacted the City approximately two years ago in an attempt to find a location dedicated to the sport of paintball. Mr. Majors opined paintball was a legitimate activity and common on campuses as an intramural sport. Paintball enjoyed a good deal of exposure on the sports networks, and the department viewed it as a viable option. The challenge was to locate an area that provided the type of terrain required for paintball. One of the options considered by the board was Pence Park, which primarily was a softball field with a playground area and adjacent basketball park. The board also looked at an undeveloped site, Florida Power & Light (FP&L) Park, just west of 1-95 off SE 23rd Avenue on the south side. Little League Park, just off Woolbright Road, was another consideration, as the location was good and would not impact the residential areas. Ms. Rivers inquired whether the use of Girl Scout Park could be considered as a possible option. Mr. Majors replied he considered it to be a long shot, as the area was sensitive and he did not believe paintball would be well received by the residents in the community. Chair Pierce-Roe inquired whether monthly or quarterly meetings were held in the Chapel Hill neighborhood. Mr. Major replied staff could make inquiries with respect thereto. He reiterated he did not believe paintball was an appropriate activity at that site. Even when developed, parking would be limited. Robert Mealey noted he had observed only 20 people in Pence Park in a given week. He contended there would be no cost to the City for the project, as he would absorb the cost of electricity, water and maintaining the field. Mr. Mealey would also provide revenue to the City by leasing the site. He solicited feedback from residents in the area who had not expressed any objections to the project. When asked about his thoughts regarding the use of Little League Park or FP&L Park, Mr. Mealey opined Little League Park did not provide adequate space to accommodate paintball activities, and FP&L Park would probably not come to fruition for another five years. He believed he could have the project up and running at Pence Park in three weeks. In response to Mr. Orlove's inquiry, Mr. Mealey replied permanent stanchions would be required to be installed at Pence Park. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 Mr. Orlove inquired of staff whether the City would be amenable to changing the park by putting in permanent stanchions for the use of paintball. Mr. Majors replied it would be more involved and would require a formal survey of the residents in the area. Issues, such as limited parking, would have to be considered as well. The board also discussed the problems with using Pence Park for a specific use. They discussed FP&L Park as a potential venue as it was accessible, would not have a potential negative impact on the neighborhood, and could be designated as a special park for paintball only. Also discussed were the anticipated budget cuts and the impact on the FP&L Park. Mr. Majors added numerous projects were being reevaluated. He expressed concern for possible cuts in capital improvement projects, operations, staffing, facilities and park maintenance. Chair Pierce-Roe discussed the use of the Rolling Green School in terms of parking and use of the school's fields. Ms. Rivers advised the School District's plan was for a multi-purpose field that would be used by the students. Mr. Majors advised he had talked to representatives from the County, and they did not appear to embrace the paintball concept. The board should be commended for being open-minded and having this dialogue. The board discussed whether the support of the City Manager and City Commission was required for the project; whether funds could be sought from sponsorships or grants to facilitate the project; and consideration of parking and impact issues. Motion Mr. Orlove moved for staff to pursue whether or not Pence Park could be used as a temporary field for paintball, until another or permanent facility could be accommodating or built, and based upon the City's Manager's concurrence with such use. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion. Mr. Mealey advised the basketball court and Jungle Gym would remain at Pence Park, and he would only use the inside of the field. He believed there would be enough space for a paintball park and small soccer field. 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 Ms. Rivers suggested working with Mr. Mealey on a design for the space. The Board contended a recommendation of the City Manager and City Commission would be required. Chair Pierce-Roe suggested including this issue under "Items for the City Manager's Attention," advising this matter had been discussed for months and the board supported a paintball park and was seeking a recommendation from the City Manager and City Commission. Mr. Majors believed the City Manager would refer the item back to the board. The board could explore Pence Park, and as part of due diligence, offer other options as well. Mr. Orlove withdrew his original motion in order to rephrase the motion. Motion Mr. Orlove moved for staff to pursue with the City Manager, the use of Pence Park as an experimental or pilot program for paintball. Ms. Sloan seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Mr. Mealey thanked the board for its time and consideration. Non-Agenda Item Brian Miller, Chair of the Community Relations Board (CRB), CRB board member Stanley Sorgman, and Bob Pavon, Chairman of the Beautification Committee for Village Royale on the Green, were present. Mr. Miller invited everyone to attend the next CRB meeting scheduled for July 11, 2007, at which time a Gang Task Force presentation would be provided by the Police Department. Mr. Miller advised he wished to discuss the CRB's Pride in Boynton project. Their last project was held on June 16, 2007 and included clean-up and planting of bushes grown by a Poinciana Heights resident who had donated 20 bushes, which the group planted. Mr. Miller noted the lack of trash receptacles in the City. Beginning in the fall, Galaxy and Poinciana Elementary Schools would have their own garden on school property. Mr. Miller advised the CRB would be donating additional plantings to the schools in the fall. Chair Pierce-Roe suggested Mr. Miller search the Internet for the "Outdoor Alabama" site. It provided a wealth of information that would be valuable to school students. 4 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 She suggested Mr. Miller advise the Recreation and Parks Board of upcoming events and the board could note the events on its agenda as a reminder to anyone wishing to attend. Chair Pierce-Roe commended the CRB's efforts and thanked Messrs. Miller, Sorgman and Pavon for attending. B. CIP Update Mr. Majors and Ms. Rivers reported on the following projects, which were going well and were on schedule. Intracoastal Clubhouse A two-story, 14,000 square foot clubhouse was being constructed at Intracoastal Park, and would primarily be utilized for recreational activities. It was anticipated the clubhouse would be completed by late August or early September 2007. Thereafter, it would take approximately two weeks to open in order for staff to move in, and for the equipment to be installed. Wilson Center Park The old recreation center was being replaced with a larger structure located directly behind Poinciana Elementary School. The project included the replacement of a pool and numerous park improvements. Jaycee Park Bids were solicited for the construction of this five-acre park located off Federal Highway and the Intracoastal. A pre-bid meeting was held, and ten contractors were in attendance. The cost for the project was estimated at $1.2M, and would include picnic shelters, bocce ball courts, walking trails, a large play area and possibly a boardwalk. It was anticipated the park would be completed in approximately six months. Chair Pierce-Roe inquired whether the park would provide public access for fishing, kayaking and canoeing. Ms. Rivers commented that would depend on permitting. Currently, the Army Corps of Engineers was taking two years to issue permits. 5 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 Mr. Majors commented the Intracoastal was very narrow there, and permitting would be challenging. However, the City's consultants would attend to this. Congress Avenue Park and Boundless Playground Authorization was received from the City Commission to enter into negotiations with Gladding Jackson for the creation of construction designs for the park and playground. Staff was still working on the creation of a foundation that would not only support the park, but other projects as well. Oceanfront Park Negotiations were underway with Miller Legg, a consulting firm that would be providing recommendations and developing designs for the boardwalk, trellises and other appurtenances that are part of the structure at the park. Boat Club Park Miller Legg was also going to be working on landscaping improvements and the replacement of the public restrooms and pavilions. The County provided funding for these improvements. Mr. Majors advised the above projects were part of a broad menu of projects that encompassed the entire City. One such project was the construction of Fire Station 5 located off High Ridge Road, which would serve as the City's emergency operations center and would include the relocation of the City's Communications Division. Many of the projects on the table would still be required to go through a review and approval by the City Commission as part of the budget process. Chair Pierce-Roe suggested three or four benches be placed around the lagoon area at the park. c. Public Art Update Mr. Majors provided an update on the following projects. Wilson Center Park A public art piece developed by the Arts Commission would be included as part of the Wilson project, as would a bust of Carolyn Sims. 6 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 Veterans Memorial The Eternal Flame Veterans Memorial would be installed at Bicentennial Park at this time. Mr. Majors advised of a conflict in terms of the actual piece of artwork that would be installed. While the Veterans Advisory Commission previously endorsed the public art piece, the members now suggested other options. The conflict would be resolved by the Veterans Advisory Commission. V. NEW BUSINESS A. Selection of Chair and Vice Chair Ms. Sloan moved to retain the current slate of officers. Mr. Godfrey seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Ms. Pierce-Roe was unanimously re-elected to serve as Chair. Mr. Orlove was unanimously re-elected to serve as Vice Chair. Non-Agenda Item Mr. Orlove addressed the issue of the Old High School. The Five Towns College from Long Island, New York was no longer interested in pursuing a cultural initiative with regard to the building. As this board had been in favor of preserving the building for a multitude of purposes including educational, recreational, cultural, and historical, Mr. Orlove suggested a letter to the City Manager and City Commission be drafted, reflecting the board's feeling that the building should be preserved and used for future cultural and recreational purposes. The board concurred. It was agreed Mr. Orlove would draft a letter and forward it to Mr. Majors. Mr. Majors would then distribute the letter to the board for its review. B. Monthly Report There were no questions on the monthly report. C. Items for the City Manager's Attention An item was addressed earlier. VI. NEXT MEETING The next meeting would be on July 23, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hester Center. 7 Meeting Minutes Recreation & Parks Board Boynton Beach, Fl June 25, 2007 VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:55 p.m. ~ Dl.--O Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 6-25-07 8