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Minutes 10-26-98 MNUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 26, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Thomas, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director Mike Fitzpatrick John Wildner, Parks Director Ed Harris James R. McMahon Bali Ramnarace Tom Williams Dan Winters, Voting Alternate Victor Norfus, Alternate I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chairperson Thomas called the roll. A quorum was declared present. Also present were Ms. Melody Green, Recreation Director and John Wildner, Parks Director. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF AUGUST 24, 1998 MEETING Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of the August 24, 1998 meeting. There being no changes, Chairperson Thomas stated that the minutes stand approved. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) ( Postponed until the arrival of Mr. Fitzpatrick. B) Skateboard Park Update (John Wildner) ( Mr. Wildner stated he has been speaking with officials from Palm Beach County regarding the skateboard park. Presently, two inline hockey rinks are being built at Caloosa Park and construction is scheduled to begin this month. Because the costs of the rinks were higher than estimated, the funds that were reserved for the skateboard park will have to be used. Also, it was decided to wait and see how the rinks will impact the Caloosa Park site and what the effect will be on the parking situation. Therefore, it MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 was decided to postpone the construction of the skateboard park until this can be determined. There is funding in place for the planning of the skateboard park, and if there is no significant impact on traffic, construction for the skateboard park will begin next fiscal year. Chairperson Thomas asked if there were any comments. Mr. McMahon inquired if there was inline skating offered at the Arts Center. Ms. Green stated that inline skating is offered in the parking lots of the Arts Center and the Madsen Center. Ms. Green stated that the program is very popular with the youngsters. Mr. Wildner mentioned that Mr. Majors is offering hockey clinics in locations throughout the City. Chairperson Thomas inquired if the committee would continue to work on the skateboard park. Mr. Wildner stated they would continue to work as an ad hoc committee. They have looked at other properties, but unfortunately the cost of purchasing the properties is very high and the committee will not be meeting as frequently as it had. (C) Senior Center Project Team Update Ms. Green stated that the real estate closing for the Senior Center should take place tomorrow. Ms. Green had an artist’s rendering of the property, which illustrates the anticipated outcome of the building. Ms. Green stated there has been a project team working on the design of the interior of the building to determine usage and function. They have also been working on the design of the exterior of the building as well. Ms. Green stated that Chairperson Thomas, Betty Collins, and Peggy Stranahan have been very active in this project, along with City staff. Ms. Green presented the artist’s drawing for the Board to review. The colors of the building will blend with the colors of the Women’s Club. (Mike Fitzpatrick arrived at 7:17 p.m.) Ms. Green went over the interior of the building, pointing out various areas of interest, including an atrium, lobby area, office, arts and crafts room, computer area, kitchen, meeting rooms, ceramic and pottery rooms, storage space, etc. Ms. Green pointed out that there would be an atrium in the center with a skylight, which was the suggestion of the City’s Development Director. There will also be a covered drop off area. Also, Ms. Green stated that if the property across the street was ever available for purchase, the th City would like to purchase that as well so that part of SE 10 at Federal could be closed off for a paved walkway and park. Ms. Green stated that phase 2 construction 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 would be ongoing while phase 1 is in use by the seniors. There will be no disruption in service. It is anticipated that phase 1 will be operational in spring 1999. (D) Millennium Special Event Ms. Green stated that staff has been working on two projects that will be presented to Palm Beach County for sanctioning. G.A.L.A. will be greatly expanded as well. There is another activity that is still being planned by the planning team in recreation and will be an international event. Ms. Green could not elaborate much more on this, but did state that the event will involve many thousands of people coming to Boynton Beach which will have a significant economic impact on the City. This same event has been successful in Zurich, Switzerland and to the best of Ms. Green’s knowledge, has never been held in the United States. Ms. Green will have more information at the next meeting. (A) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick stated there have been approximately five meetings with staff and there have been some citizens who have expressed an interest. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that they are working on having a map available on the database at Planning and Development. It is anticipated that the information can be obtained from the County’s Environmental Resource Management maps. Also an inventory of what currently is available needs to be done. Mr. Fitzpatrick reviewed a 94-acre area in Hypoluxo that might possibly be purchased for the greenways network by the County to be designated “environmentally sensitive land”. Mr. Fitzpatrick also stated that there are scrub jays on this land, which might prevent the land from being sold to a private developer. Also, the question of issuing bonds is being looked at. Mr. Fitzpatrick did not think the City would want to issue bonds for this project. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have the County issue bonds for the purchase of these lands. Mr. Fitzpatrick informed the Board that south of the Seacrest Scrub there is a 7 to 8 acre track of land comprised mainly of sand. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that this land belongs to the Town of Gulfstream. Mr. Fitzpatrick would like to approach the Town of Gulfstream to determine if they would pay for planting native landscaping and allow a right of way for a bike trail through this property. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that perhaps the City could pay for the water hookup. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that a tour took place with Ms Green, John Wildner, Hank Ackermann, Kevin Hallahan and others for the purpose of viewing the remaining environmental sites in Boynton. Mr. Fitzpatrick informed the Board that the County 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 has completed acquisition of a site on High Ridge Road, approximately ¼ mile south of Hypoluxo Road, which consists of approximately 30 acres Mr. Wildner stated that the parking lot area at the Seacrest Scrub is open, and the City has taken over the responsibility of opening and closing the site, which is now officially open. Chairperson Thomas stated that the information board is an asset. It was noted that the Seacrest Scrub is comprised of 55 acres. Mr. Wildner stated that a burn took place at the Scrub in which the City’s Fire Department participated, and control burns are necessary to allow the sand pines to reproduce. Mr. Wildner stated that every several years it would be necessary to have a small burn. (Mr. Norfus asked to be excused as he had another meeting to attend.) Mr. Williams inquired if Ms. Rossi still visits the Hester Center and Mr. Wildner stated that the Jaycees are at the Center every two to three months to assist with the exotic plant removal. (Ms. Green stated she would forward to Mr. Norfus information on the Millennium and Black Awareness Day, as he requested.) (E) Black Awareness Day Strategic Planning Team (Melody Green) Ms. Green stated the planning team held a meeting at Café Barista and City staff, along with community members, are working to devise a one/three/five year strategic plan which would be modeled similarly after the G.A.L.A. strategic plan. It is intended that this will link with the City’s vision, mission and strategies. The City’s vision is to make Boynton Beach a world-class city. There are five strategies that would tie in with the vision and mission. A meeting is planned for November and it is expected that the plan would be finalized by the end of November and be ready for the first part of December. Mr. Ramnarace informed Ms. Green that he would like to participate in the next meeting. (F) Monthly Report Ms. Green informed members that staff has been working on streamlining paper work and commended Sherri Claude who has devised a method of consolidating reports. Next week and for subsequent meetings the Board will be furnished with a compilation of the project tasks and their current status. This is the same information that is provided to Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant City Manager, and to Ms. Willis, the City Manager. This will eliminate having to do two separate reports and will save staff time 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 each month. Ms. Green stated that the report could be provided by e-mail, if any Board member would like to furnish their e-mail address for this purpose. V. NEW BUSINESS (A) All America City Planning Team (Melody Green) Ms. Green stated that the first organizational meeting date would take place at the Arts th Center on November 19 at 6:30 p.m. A complete packet of information will be furnished prior to the meeting. Ms. Green stated that they have been commended on the approach the City is taking. Most cities have used a reactive approach, but we are targeting the year 2001 and going through all the paperwork. Community meetings will take place and we are planning well in advance by taking a proactive approach. Mr. Winters stated it would be to the City’s advantage if the contest for next year was viewed by City representatives in order to determine what takes place. Ms. Green stated that is being discussed and that the first planning team would attend next year’s contest that takes place in Philadelphia. This will provide a good opportunity to speak with representatives from other cities. Also, contacts have been made with cities that have won the award. (B) Lifeguard Operations (George Evans) Mr. Evans took the podium and stated he has been a lifeguard for over 30 years. Mr. Evans stated his report would be limited to Oceanfront Park and he would be glad to answer any questions that Members may have. The new plan is to have four lifeguards on duty who would work four days and be off three days. This method is being utilized in order to increase the time for lifeguards to remain on duty. Mr. Evans stated that during 1997 the following occurrences took place at Oceanfront Park: ? 242,522 people visited ? 26 in-water serious rescues were performed ? 3,869 preventable accidents occurred ? 10 major medical rescues were performed, including heart attacks ? 255 minor incidents occurred ? 1 drowning The drowning resulted from a swimmer leaving the public beach area and entering a rip current area. Staff responded, even though it was off the public beach, but the person died. He had only been living in Boynton Beach two weeks. 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 There was only one boat assist last year, and a cat on the boat was also rescued. Mr. Evans stated that they are under the direction of the Medical Director of the EMTS system, which is administered by the City’s Fire Department. Mr. Evans stated that the City’s lifeguards have much more training than lifeguards do at other beaches. Mr. Evans described the various medical procedures that the lifeguards are authorized to perform and that the Fire Department trains the lifeguards in these various medical procedures. Mr. Evans stated that lifeguards begin work at 9:00 a.m. and work until 5:30 p.m. However, prior to beginning work, they train for an hour and one-half with the Fire Department. Mr. Evans explained the equipment that the lifeguards use in their duties – ? Buoys ? Radios to communicate directly to the City’s EMS system ? Police radio linkage directly to Ocean Ridge ? Marine radio ? Medical kits which include oxygen units ? Backboards ? Fibrillator ? All terrain vehicle Mr. Evans stated that the lifeguards are dedicated and enjoy their work. Mr. Evans stated that the fibrillator was obtained through a grant and cost $40,000. This can make a difference in providing better service to the public. There is also a Jet Ski and this is necessary to keep the jet skiers out of the beach limits. Mr. Evans stated that there are 266 parking spaces at Oceanfront Park and additional 65 spaces on Ocean Avenue and 33 at Ocean Hammock. The County owns Ocean Hammock. Even though this area is not in Boynton, lifeguards would respond to this area as well. Mr. Evans stated after the re-nourishment project on the beach, the beach is now eroding and alternatives need to be looked at to bring the beach back. Funds should be secured in order that “t” groins could be placed on the beach to stop the erosion. Chairperson Thomas asked Mr. Evans how many employees work on the beach and Mr. Evans said there were seven lifeguards. 6 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 Ms. Green stated that the four-day workweek that the lifeguard team developed is very significant. This accomplishes several goals and allows the period between 7:30 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. to be used for all lifeguards to train as a team. Also, lifeguards now work through their lunch hour and remain on call. The lifeguards will be paid for the time worked. Therefore, during the time period of 10:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., there are now four lifeguards on duty. Even if someone calls in sick, there will still be three on duty, which is one more than with the old system. Mr. Harris inquired if there is a junior lifeguard program that is offered by the City. Mr. Evans stated there is a junior lifeguard program that has been offered for three years now. They have competed in Boca Raton and Deerfield Beach and the age group is from 12 to 17. These students have done very well in competition. Mr. Harris inquired if there was a need for an additional lifeguard, so that the number of lifeguards on duty would always remain at four. Also, should there be a staff of 8 lifeguards instead of the current 7? Mr. Evans stated that he would welcome an additional lifeguard. Ms. Green stated the budget has been submitted for this year. However, it has been studied to see how many lifeguards are necessary to safely operate the beach. Currently, with seven lifeguards, the standard is exceeded. Ms. Green stated that typically throughout Palm Beach County beaches you would see one to two lifeguards on duty. Boynton Beach has four lifeguards on duty, seven days per week. If someone does call in sick, there would still be three on duty. Ms. Green stated that the national standards for the size of Boynton Beach would be two lifeguards. Also, the City is advertising for substitute lifeguards who are already lifeguards in other communities, but would like to have an additional job. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated he visited the beach today and noted that there is a 4’ cliff off the beach. Mr. Fitzpatrick stated that the waves are coming straight in and knocking down the wall. In Mr. Fitzpatrick’s opinion the beach has lost $100,000 to $200,000 worth of sand since Hurricane Georges. Mr. Fitzpatrick inquired why the City’s Parks Department no longer rents a bulldozer to go out to the beach for the purpose of grating the beach in order to save $100,000 worth of sand. Mr. Williams stated that this was only a temporary solution and eventually nature would wash the sand out. Chairperson Thomas thanked Mr. Evans for his informative presentation. 7 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 (C) Other Mr. Harris inquired if Ms Carolyn Sims would no longer be located at Hester Park and questioned moving Ms. Sims to another location. Mr. Harris stated it was important that stability remain at Hester Park in the manner that was provided by Ms. Sims. Ms. Green stated that Ms. Sims’ position is changing along with all other Recreation Supervisor III positions and there has been a complete job rotation within the Recreation Division as follows: ? Ms. Sims will now have responsibility for the new Senior Center and will be assisting with teen programs. The importance of teen programs will be stressed with emphasis for more activities at the Library and Civic Center. Ms. Sims will also be responsible for the activities at the Madsen Center, Wilson Center and Wilson Pool as well as being responsible for trips and tours for adults. ? Ms. Debbie Majors, who used to staff the Civic Center, will now have responsibility for special events and will be writing and coordinating grants for the Recreation Division. ? Ms. Virginia Shea will now be doing marketing for the Recreation Division, as well as helping to assist with marketing throughout the entire City. Ms. Shea will also be responsible for activities at the Arts Center. ? George Evans will continue with lifeguard operations and will be responsible for special event’s sponsorships and will become part of the special event's team. ? Ms. Sharon Golden will now be supervising the Civic Center and is responsible for the Latchkey Program and will be supervising the maintenance crew at the Royal Palm Clubhouse. ? Ms. Sherri Claude is Administrative Assistant and reports to Ms. Green and is responsible for the Recreation Division office operations. ? Wally Majors has responsibility for athletics, the Tennis Center and the Hester Center. Additional staff will be hired. ? Ms. Wendy Hollien will be working with special events. Carolyn Sims will be working with Sharon Golden and they are responsible for coordinating the scholarship volunteer hours. Rather than giving scholarships to adults in the community for the children for free, there will be a trade-off system so that adults 8 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA OCTOBER 26, 1998 can volunteer for various City projects and recreation events and the hours can be banked and traded in for free scholarship dollars for their children. Ms. Green stated she had planned to bring up these changes at the September meeting, but that meeting was cancelled. Ms. Green informed the Board that staff has worked for several months to make these changes and every effort has been made to let people know of these changes. Mr. Williams informed the Board that there is a hole in the surface of the Sara Sims tennis court that needs repair and also there are lights out as well. Mr. Williams also Deleted: fence at the said that the bathrooms at the Hester Center need taking care of and the place is not cleaned in a timely manner. Ms. Green stated she would pass this information on. Also, Mr. Williams stated there is a pile of rocks that needs to be cleared up and removed. Mr. Williams inquired as to the status of the bleachers for the Park and Mr. Wildner said the bleachers are being ordered for the football field and the basketball court. VI. NEXT MEETING Monday, Chairperson Thomas stated that the next meeting is scheduled for November 23, 1998 at 7:00 p.m. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 9