Minutes 08-24-98
MNUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
ON MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Betty Thomas, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Director
James R. McMahon John Wildner, Parks Director
Bali Ramnarace
Dan Winters, Alternate
ABSENT
Bruce R. Black, Vice Chair
Mike Fitzpatrick
Tom Williams
Victor Norfus, Alternate
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:03 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 JULY 27, 1998 MEETING
Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of
the June 23, 1998 meeting.
Motion
Mr. Winters moved to approve the minutes of the July 27, 1998 meeting. Motion
seconded by Mr. McMahon. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairperson Thomas noted that there was a public audience present at tonight’s
meeting. Chairperson Thomas inquired if the audience was present to address a
specific issue?
Donald Guthan of 33 Meadows Park Lane, Boynton Beach
took the podium and
stated he was present this evening to discuss with Mr. Wildner the fence situation slated
for construction behind the Windemere Development and the Meadows Park. Mr.
Guthan was not sure if this was the right Board to present their request to. Mr. Wilder
stated he would be glad to listen to Mr. Guthan and give him a status of the fence
MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
situation. Mr. Wildner stated the request for the fence first came to the attention of the
Parks and Recreation Department over six months ago. It was requested that the City
place a fence on the southern boundary of the park property known as the Meadows
Park and the Nautica Sound Park site, which are two adjoining sites, one site being a 4-
acre site and the other a 5-acre site. This site is bounded by a canal, which is owned
by members of Windemere. Mr. Wildner stated it was discovered that the Meadows
300 Property Owners’ Association owned a small triangle shape piece of property on
one of the sites. Mr. Wildner stated that a problem has arisen, since there are people
at the Meadows who want the fence and people who don’t want the fence. Mr. Wildner
noted that Mrs. Cooperman was in the audience, who was in favor of the fence being
built.
Mr. Wildner stated the reasoning behind the fence was a security issue due to people
riding up and down the north end of the canal and the City agreed to erect a fence.
Subsequent to the decision to place the fence, people approached the City, who were
also residents of the Meadows, and did not want the fence built. Thus, a stalemate
exists at this point. Mr. Wildner stated during his last conversation with Mr. Brown,
President of the homeowners’ association, it was determined if the fence were placed
where originally planned, it would not accomplish the purpose for which it was originally
intended.
Mr. Guthan stated he was Treasurer of the Board and was under the assumption that it
had been agreed that the fence would be built. This is what the homeowners expressed
at their last meeting in March and that there have been no meetings since that date. Mr.
Guthan asked what the next step would be, since they have contributed money towards
building the fence and are anxious to have the fence built. Mr. Guthan further stated
there are people representing themselves as the 300 Association and they are not
authorized to speak for the 300 Association. These same people have come to City
Hall and are not authorized to speak for the 300 Association. Discussion continued on
where actual placement of the fence will take place.
Joy Cooperman, 35 Meadows Park Lane, Boynton Beach
addressed the members.
Ms. Cooperman was under the impression that the fence would be placed on the first
four acres of the park’s land and the City would permit the 300 Association to leave the
weeds in the triangle to serve as a natural barrier. Lake Worth Drainage District was
approached for a gate and Ms. Cooperman had a copy of the letter from LWDD that
stated they would donate a gate to close off the easement from trespassers.
Mr. Wildner informed the audience that he would be getting back to Mr. Brown on this
issue.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
Sam DeMatteo, 38 Meadows Park Lane, Boynton Beach
addressed the Board and
stated that after the fence had been approved, the group that was not in favor of the
fence went to City Hall to complain. Mr. Wildner stated there is no real reason for the
City to place the fence and the only reason the City agreed to build the fence was at the
request of the property owners. If other residents come in and say they don’t want the
fence, the City must consider both sides. Mr. Wildner indicated that Mrs. Brown has
since spoken to the City Manager about moving forward with building the fence.
Chairperson Thomas thanked the residents for their attendance and invited them to
remain for the balance of the meeting.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick)
Mike Fitzpatrick was not present to make his report.
B. Senior Center Project Team Update
Ms. Green said that several meetings have been held regarding the senior center being
located at Lucille & Otley’s Restaurant. The building has been inspected. Ms. Green
stated that Bulent Kastarlak, the Director of Development for the City has prepared
preliminary drawings. It has been determined that a two-phase renovation would be
necessary in order for the Center to open at the end of January 1999. A grand opening
is anticipated for February 1999. Additional fund raising and grant funding will be
sought for the second phase of the renovations. Phase 1 will be to use the existing
restaurant space for the Center. Phase 2 renovations would include the kitchen area
and walk-in coolers, which is approximately 4,800 square feet. Ms. Green listed the
various repairs that will be made during phase 1 renovations. Ms. Green stated a
presentation would be made at the next City Commission meeting for their decision on
the renovations. Operational costs for staffing, as well as equipment, supplies, utilities,
plus the renovation costs for phase 1 totals $332,371.00.
Mr. McMahon asked for a breakdown of the operational costs–
Staffing - 77,000.00
Equipment and supplies 42,600.00
Utilities 21,000.00
(plus a 5% contingency) {$9,000.00}
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
Mr. Ramnarace inquired about the status of the Madsen Center. Ms. Green stated that
the Madsen Center will continue its present operations.
C. Summer Camps & Playgrounds Summary
Ms. Green stated that 938 children were accommodated in the summer camp
programs. There was a great deal of sponsorships given this summer at the Hester
Center. There were various types of funding for the scholarships, which totaled
$30,200.00. Chairperson Thomas complimented the fine job the recreation staff
performed with the children this year. Ms. Green discussed the various programs that
were offered at the Art Center this summer, as well as the sports clinic program that
was offered at the Congress Middle School.
D. Monthly Report
Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any questions regarding the monthly report.
Mr. McMahon commented on the large attendance at the Arts Center, as well as at the
Beach.
E. Other
None
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. FY98-99 Budget
Ms. Green stated she attended the Commission budget meetings to present the 1998-
1999 budgetand informed members that taxes will not be going up this year.
B. Program Summary
Ms. Green noted a special event, Family Day Picnic in the Park, was held this month
and commended Carolyn Sims for the wonderful job she did with the program.
Professional basketball player Otis Thorpe attended the event and spent a great deal of
time with the youngsters. Approximately 500 children and adults attended.
C. Racquet Center Improvements (Bob Howell)
Mr. Howell was present this evening to update the members on the Racquet Center.
Mr. Howell took the podium and stated he was the tennis professional for the Boynton
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
Beach Racquet Center. Four new hydra-courts were added this year, which means the
courts are watered underneath and can remain open for longer periods of the day,
which in turn produces more revenue. All the tennis courts were refitted with 9-foot
windscreens. There are 21 lighted courts; 16 courts are soft and 5 are hard courts.
Future projects include greater landscaping which would include adding another well. It
is anticipated that more awnings will be put up on courts 4,5, 8, and 13. A grant from
the USTA will be applied for to add a “hitting wall”. Mr. Howell stated that revenue at
the center as of June was $144,000. Expenses, based on last year, are $158,000.00.
With three more months to go, revenues should come to $159,000.00. Mr. Howell
stated one of the goals of the Center is to break even. Mr. Winters commended the
excellent job being done by the Racquet Center and asked what the yearly membership
fees were.
Mr. Howell stated a resident single is $140.00; resident family is $225.00; non-resident
single is $275.00; and non-resident family is $325.00.
Mr. Howell was thanked for making his informative presentation to the Board.
D. Wilson Center
Ms. Green stated the Wilson Center is undergoing a great number of interior
improvements, a new kitchen is being installed and new office furniture has been
ordered. Ms. Green discussed all the changes that will be made to the center. Ms.
Green stated these renovations are being done with the funds originally earmarked for
heating the Wilson pool. However, it was determined that the funds could be better
used to make the renovations to the center, than to heat the pool. Ms. Green stated
activities are still being held on a part time basis and when the building is being painted,
the center will be closed for a day or two. Ms. Green stated the pool will remain open
for two weekends after Labor Day and will be closed after that date and will undergo
some minor repairs.
E. Millenium Special Event
A planning team is being organized from the community and the City to formulize a
unique and special event to welcome the millenium in Boynton Beach. Ms. Green
stated they are looking for volunteers who would be interested in working with this
group.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
F. African-American Heritage Days Strategic Planning Team
It is anticipated that a team comprised of community members and staff will meet over
three sessions and dinner will be provided. New visions and missions will be formulated
to expand the event. The Black Awareness Day Program has been attracting about
5,000 over the weekend and it is hoped that the event can be expanded to attract up to
50,000 people. New marketing plans must be formulated to accomplish this goal. Ms.
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Green stated the first planning session is scheduled for September 24.
Chairperson Thomas inquired if the trend today was to turn these events over to the
community. Ms. Green stated not all events would be community operated, but a great
many will be. Ms. Green stated there is limited staff to work on special events and there
is special expertise in the community that could be utilized to expand the events. It is
planned to bring more entertainment to attract more people, which will have a positive
effect upon the businesses.
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G. Upcoming Special Events: T.N.T. Concert; August 28, “the Retro
Rockets”
Ms. Green stated the T.N.T. concert would be held at Veteran’s Park. Concerts for the
next two years will be held at the Veteran’s Park due to the bridge construction. Ms.
Green said there would be sufficient parking available across the street.
Mr. Winters inquired if there will be tickets available for the National Parks Show that
will be held in Miami? Ms. Green stated there is a limited amount of funding available
for persons interested in attending. Mr. Winters noted that the show would run from
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September 23 to the 27 and is being held in the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Mr. Winters also inquired if there are changes anticipated in October in the Recreation
Department and if reassignments are being anticipated. Ms. Green stated this would
be more fully discussed at the September meeting.
Mr. Ramnarace stated that the Quantum Park area is in need of cleaning. Mr. Wildner
stated that was the responsibility of the Quantum Park Association. Mr. Wildner stated
he would pass Mr. Ramnarace’s concerns onto the City’s Code Compliance Division.
Mr. Winters inquired as to the results of the Hershey track meet in which Boynton
Beach youth participated. Ms. Green stated the City contributed $500 towards the
children’s expenses to attend. Ms. Green stated that Clyde Harris is to be commended
for the wonderful job he is doing with the track team. There are two youngsters on the
team who are outperforming all competitors, winning regional and national titles. Ms.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
Green stated these youngsters would be recognized at a future City Commission
meeting.
Mr. Winters complimented Mr. Wildner and his staff on the fine work done at the Hester
Center. Mr. Wildner stated there would be a dedication for the Palmetto Green Park
expansion on September 12, 1998 at 10:00 a.m.
Chairperson Thomas inquired if any member was up to date on the greenways
network. Ms. Green stated that Kevin Hallahan is the team leader, together with Mike
Fitzpatrick. Greenways are being identified in Boynton Beach. Plans to develop a link
to the City’s greenway system with the County and eventually with the State are being
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explored. A tour is planned for September 12 from 7:00 a.m. to 12 noon to tour the
northern green areas in Boynton Beach. Another date will be chosen to tour the
southern part of the City. Mr. Winters stated that funds are in place for this project over
the next ten years.
Mr. Winters said a larger sign is necessary to direct people to Mangrove Park, as it is
very difficult to find.
Mr. McMahon inquired about the Chamber of Commerce’s advertisement in the
Boynton Beach Times seeking persons to volunteer for a special event board. Ms.
Green stated it was an information survey and the Chamber of Commerce is currently
seeking a signature event. Ms. Green stated she received a letter from Mike Bottcher
expressing the Chamber’s interest in running the G.A.L.A. as a future possibility. Ms.
Green stated there is a mandate from the City that G.A.L.A. is to find another agency to
handle the event by the year 2000. Ms. Green and Virginia Shea would continue
involvement through the G.A.L.A. Board.
The All America City will now be targeted for the year 2001. This will allow sufficient
time for all necessary teams to be formed and to start planning for the various projects,
as this is a tremendous effort involving hundreds of people working together.
Chairperson Thomas stated that Bruce Black has been elected Vice Chairman and is
already Secretary. Ms. Green stated a Recording Secretary has been assigned to the
Board for the purpose of recording the minutes. Therefore, Bruce Black will remain as
Vice Chairman and not Secretary, unless it is determined that other duties would be
necessary that a secretary to the Board should be elected.
VI. NEXT MEETING: SEPTEMBER 28, 1998
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARK BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 24, 1998
Ms. Green noted that since the City is supplying the Recording Secretary, all future
meetings will be held in the Commission Chambers.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting properly
adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Barbara M. Madden
Recording Secretary
(two tapes)
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