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Minutes 03-24-08 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION & PARKS ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD AT THE SENIOR CENTER, 6:30 P.M. MARCH 24, 2008, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Bill Orlove, Vice Chair John Allard David Barie Janelle Sloane Kurt Godfrey, Alternate Wally Majors, Recreation & Parks Director Jody Rivers, Parks Superintendent ABSENT: Betty Pierce-Roe, Chair Patti Hammer John McVey Frank Lindsay, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Vice Chair Orlove called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Vice Chair Orlove called the roll. A quorum was present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM: February 25,2008 Motion Mr. Godfrey moved approval. Mr. Barie seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. CIP Update Mr. Majors noted staff wished to keep the board informed of activities included in the CIP. Staff recommended certain projects (excluding Congress Avenue) be deferred to a 1 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 24, 2008 future date, as budget adjustments were required and staff would be unable to assume additional responsibilities. Ms. Rivers noted staff was recommending replacement of an awning, the playground at Boat Club Park, the fence at the Civic Center and at Boundless Park. Budgeted projects included Phase 2 of the Greenway Bikeway on Palmetto Green, and the extension through Boynton Memorial Park. Staff would proceed with preliminary items. However, these might have to be deferred. Mr. Majors noted the replacement of the fencing would be required. Staff had been put on notice by the Department of Children and Family Services that it would be necessary for staff to bring Recreation and Parks' facilities and staffing to a level that met the standards of the Department of Children and Family Services. This was a new policy, as the Recreation and Parks industry had not previously fallen under the classification of childcare. While staff felt the scope of services provided by Recreation and Parks differed from that of other providers, the Department of Children and Family Services did not agree. Therefore, modifications would have to be made and fencing would have to be installed around the entire playground. Accommodations would also have to be made to crossing areas in parks in order to meet standards. Additionally, staff would be required to undergo 40 hours of mandatory training, with the costs to be borne by the department. The department would adhere to the new standards, as staff wished to continue providing services for the youth in the community. Ms. Rivers indicated staff was hoping, with the board's support, that the Meadows 1 Nautica Sound Park project would be deferred. The park consisted of two five-acre lots dedicated by developers and was located west of Bentwood Drive, and south of Hypoluxo Road. Although $60,000 was provided for design in the current year's budget, and $600,000 for development next year, staff felt it would not be prudent to expend the funds, which were significant, for a project that was likely be shelved. Meadows Park and Boynton Lakes Park, popular and often-frequented parks, were in the vicinity of the Meadows 1 Nautica Sound Park project. Mr. Majors noted Mr. Katz's interest in the project and wanted to ensure the board was aware of this item. Ms. Rivers noted the boardwalk replacement at the beach would continue. The lifeguard office, snack bar and showers were in poor condition and needed to be replaced. As set forth above, the Congress Avenue project would go forward. v. NEW BUSINESS A. Ribbon Cutting for Jaycee Park 1. April 10, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. 2 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 24, 2008 The board had been provided with invitations. The ribbon cutting would take place at Jaycee Park on April 10, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Everyone was urged to visit the park, which had undergone major renovations in Phase 1. Mr. Majors commended Ms. Rivers for the renovations, especially since she had undertaken the project after it had commenced. In addition to the traditional ribbon cutting photo opportunity, refreshments would be served and wild life would be brought in. As Spring Break Camp would be in session, it was anticipated many of the campers would attend. It was hoped Phase 2 would still include renovations to the boardwalk. Kayaking and canoe docking were likely to continue, provided the necessary permitting was secured through the State and Palm Beach County. Sea grass was an element to be considered in securing the permitting, but staff did not believe this would present any problems. The playground was beautiful and the pavilion, which was situated near the water, provided a pleasing environment in which to relax and enjoy lunch. Ms. Rivers commented on the new playground equipment provided at Pioneer Canal Park. A $10,000 donation had been made by HSBC Bank, which had recently been established in the City. The bank had worked with local communities to create healthy lifestyles for youths and believed a playground project would further this goal. Therefore, staff was able to install $40,000, rather than $30,000, worth of play equipment for the park. Pioneer Canal Park was just north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, and west of 1-95, on ih Avenue. The park was secluded and situated on the water and was often frequented by unruly youths. While the neighbors in the area generally informed staff of problems at the park, it was recommended the police be called when problems occur. B. Monthly Report In response to Vice Chair Orlove's inquiry regarding the YVPP, Mr. Majors noted YVPP was an acronym for Youth Violence Prevention Project, an initiative of the Department of Juvenile Justice, and a program supported by a grant. Riviera Beach, West Palm Beach and Boynton Beach were the three areas identified as Youth Violence Prevention Project Centers. C. Items for the City Manager's Attention None. VI. NEXT MEETING: 6:30 p.m. April 28, 2008 at the Senior Center A. May meeting 3 Meeting Minutes Recreation and Parks Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida March 24, 2008 1. Regular scheduled meeting, Monday, May 26th - Memorial Day The board agreed to hold the meeting May 19, 2008, at the Senior Center unless otherwise noted. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 6:56 p.m. () n M-d'~ ~ ~P~~i~""D. Kahn Recording Secretary 040708 4