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Minutes 08-23-99 MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING HELD IN CONFERENCE ROOM C, WEST WING, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON MONDAY, AUGUST 23, 1999 AT 7:00 P.M. PRESENT Betty Thomas, Chairperson Melody Green, Recreation Superintendent Bali RamnaraceJohn Wildner, Parks Superintendent Tom Williams Dan Winters Charles Jackson, Alternate ABSENT Mike Fitzpatrick Ed Harris James R. McMahon, Vice Chair I. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. II. ATTENDANCE Chairperson Thomas called the roll and a quorum was declared present. Chairperson Thomas noted that Ms. Sarah Williams and Mr. Sam Kendrick were also present. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 28 , 1999 MEETING Chairperson Thomas asked if there were any changes to the minutes of the June 28, 1999 meeting. There being no comments, Chairperson Thomas said that the minutes stand approved as submitted. IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (a) Senior Center (Melody Green) Ms. Green reported that the building is 95% complete and some unexpected challenges arose. By the end of next week it is expected that the installation of the transformer should be completed. This means there will be electricity in the building and the MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA August 23, 1999 contractor will be able to finish up the remainder of the renovations. It is still anticipated that the grand opening celebration will take place on Tuesday, October 5, 1999. The Senior Advisory Board will be participating in the opening celebration. All members felt the Senior Center looked very good. Ms. Green reported that a $500,000 funding request has been included in the budget for the Area Agency on Aging and hopefully it will be approved by the State. If the approval goes through, the funds will be used for Phase 2 of the renovations. Ms. Green informed members that Ms. Debbie Majors worked very hard in coordinating the grant with the Area Agency on Aging. This area has been identified as being deficient in providing services to seniors. Mae Volen is unable to provide all the needed services in this area. Ms. Green said everyone’s support on an individual basis is very important. Chairperson Thomas inquired if federal funds were being sought and Ms. Green said the grant is for State funding. Also, Chairperson Thomas inquired who had to pay for this additional electrical work and Ms. Green said the City paid an additional $13,000 for this service. The funds were located within this year’s budget. (b) Boat Club/Intracoastal Parks Mr. Wildner stated at this time both projects are on hold, since the CRA at its last meeting directed staff to plan for a mixed use/residential/commercial project at the Intracoastal Park site. Mr. Wildner was uncertain what would happen to the $2.6 million in grant funds from the County if the City follows this direction. It is possible the City will go back to the County and try to renegotiate the use of the grant funds. Mr. Wildner hopes that the $750,000 grant for Boat Club Park could be salvaged. However, preliminary discussions with County staff have not been favorable. Mr. Wildner stated that the next step would be for the City Commission to approve the CRA recommendation of mixed use for the Park. Mr. Winters inquired about a Director for the CRA. Mr. Wildner said at the budget hearings there was discussion that a CRA Director/Development Director, who would allot approximately 75% of his time for CRA business and 25% as Director of Development, would be added. Chairperson Thomas asked if any of the $2 million grant funds have been spent and Mr. Wildner stated approximately $125,000 has been spent for preliminary plans, most of which was for Boat Club Park. Mr. Wildner was optimistic that the plans for Boat Club Park will proceed. Chairperson Thomas inquired if the $125,000 would have to be paid back to the County and Mr. Wildner stated that the City does not really have the $2.5 million and that the expenses are actually reimbursable by the County and the County has the funds. 2 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA August 23, 1999 Mr. Wildner pointed out the successes the City has had with the County for joint projects such as Caloosa Park and the City has a great deal of recreational programs scheduled at that Park. Chairperson Thomas inquired if the Intracoastal Park Site was on the next City Commission Agenda and Ms. Green was not certain. Mr. Williams noted that there was no “Other” item included on tonight’s agenda and stated he had something he wished to address. Mr. Williams said he was at Hester Park today and noted the scoreboard was on the filed. Mr. Wildner said there is a problem with getting enough electricity to light the scoreboard from the power room. Bill DeBeck is working on this and it should be completed in time for the first games. Mr. Williams noted the field was soft in some spots and needs to be hard. He felt that football grass seed should be added. Mr. Wildner said the City would probably re-seed at the end of the football season. Mr. Wildner pointed out that there wouldn’t be any soccer taking place on the field when the football season ends because this destroyed the grass last year. It is anticipated that soccer would be taking place in the field at Rolling Green School. Mr. Williams said the Park and the bleachers look wonderful and there should be a potential for the City to lease this out and make some money. Mr. Wildner said the soft grass has also been the result of the great deal of rain. Mr. Williams inquired about the status of the flagpole and said he would speak to Mr. Majors about this. Also, Mr. Williams said he has spoken with Ms. Girtman and she has no objections to having pavilions and barbecue grills placed at Sara Sims Park. This too could provide money to the City in terms of rentals. Mr. Williams said that Boat Club Park gets too crowded and another park is needed. Mr. Wildner said the bids for the irrigation system at Sara Sims went out and three have been submitted. Hopefully, it will go on the Commission Agenda for the second meeting in September. The work would also include digging for a new well with a submersible pump. Mr. Williams introduced Mr. Kendrick to the members. Mr. Kendrick said the football games will begin on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and there are four teams. The teams are comprised of the following weight divisions: 75 pounds, 95 pounds, 120 pounds and 150 pounds. The games usually end by 10:00 p.m. This week the teams will be playing the Delray Rocks. Mr. Kendrick stated the games are a big draw and at a scrimmage alone there was over 1,000 people in attendance. Mr. Kendrick pointed out that the Boynton Beach following is larger than most home team crowds. Mr. Wildner asked if the Bulldogs would benefit from playing some intramural games during the week. This could also increase interest in the teams, as well as revenue. Mr. Kendrick said that has been considered and noted that over 80 children in the 75 pound weight came out for the team and the team only has a 37-member roster. Also, 3 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA August 23, 1999 there could be weight teams in between the four teams, such as an 85-pound team. However, Mr. Kendrick said it takes approximately $10,000 to start a team. This is very unfortunate for the youngsters who do not make the teams. Also, consideration is being given to incorporate flag football teams in order to accommodate those children. Mr. Wildner said that flag football has been taking place at Caloosa Park, but there is a transportation problem in getting children to Caloosa Park from other areas of the City. Mr. Kendrick said the program has grown over the last five years and is one of the most respected in the league. Mr. Kendrick said there are 200 children in the program including the cheerleaders. There are 39 coaches and a great many volunteers. Mr. Kendrick said that each year between $10,000 and $15,000 in equipment gets lost or stolen because they don’t have a place to store the equipment. This year the teams will use their own funds to locate a storage bin to store the equipment. Mr. Williams said he spoke to Mr. DeBeck about this problem and he is working on doing something about the storage situation and possibly coming up with storage space under the press box. Mr. Winters suggested purchasing a semi-truck bed to be used for storage. However, Ms. Green felt this would not come under the “world-class” standards that the City is aiming for. Ms. Green said other alternatives for storage are being looked at and currently the costs for putting up a cinder block building are being explored. Mr. Winters also suggested that some of the City’s storage areas should be approached to see if any space could be donated. Mr. Kendrick said if this type of facility were added, it would be a great help and would save the program money on equipment each year. Also, this would be a means to generate additional money and that playoff games could be played at Hester Center. Mr. Kendrick said that when he took a team to Lakeland to the playoffs, his out-of- pocket expenses were $800. Mr. Kendrick stated that 98% of the football team at Santaluces High School comes from Boynton Beach and many go onto major colleges within and out of State. Mr. Kendrick stated that Coach Berger of Santaluces contributed equipment to the teams that were short this year. Mr. Winters said he would like to see the teams be able to utilize the Santaluces High School’s field for some of their games. Mr. Kendrick thanked the Board and the City for all they have done for the program. Ms. Williams said she was present tonight to offer support to Mr. Kendrick and noted the football program was a wonderful program. Ms. Green said the Police Department is looking to find some additional confiscated funds that could be used for the program. This is an excellent program that keeps children involved and out of trouble. Ms. Green also noted that with thousands of people attending the games there have been very few 4 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA August 23, 1999 altercations or problems. Ms. Williams said she is very proud of everyone involved in the PAL program. Mr. Kendrick also pointed out that there are as many children in the basketball program as there are in the football program. Mr. Clyde Harris’ track team has been doing wonderful and has national recognition. Ms. Green noted that the track team has Junior Olympics’ winners. (c) Greenways Network (Mike Fitzpatrick) Mr. Fitzpatrick was not present to make his report. Ms. Green said she was unable to attend the last meeting, but did note that the Greenways have been identified. A plan is being put together with the recommendation on how much each parcel would cost. Ms. Green said no additional action has been taken on carrying the recommendation any further. A future presentation to the City Commission is being planned. (d) Monthly Report Chairperson Thomas noted that the report was included in the Agenda packet and stated the report contained a great deal of data and is very informative. V. NEW BUSINESS (a) City Hall in the Mall Ms. Green said that program registrations, as well as Beach decal sales would now be done at City Hall in the Mall, which is their new location. City Hall in the Mall used to be under Utilities. A team was formed that determined that a consolidation of program registrations and Beach decals should be handled at this location. This improves customer service by providing seven-day per week registration. Sunday registration takes place from 12 noon until 5:00 p.m. Beginning next year, Beach decals will be sold through the mail. Also, the City is working on using credit cards for people to be able to phone in their registration and use their credit card for payment. Mr. Winters inquired why the Beach decals could not be sold for periods of two or three years as opposed to yearly. Ms. Green said this is something that could be looked at. Mr. Ramnarace informed members that he has placed grass in the field at Rolling Green. There will be no more red clay in the field and he has been preparing the field so that cricket can be played on it. Mr. Ramnarace stated that Mr. Wildner provided him with everything that he needed and when it is completed the field would be beautiful. Also, this would not affect the soccer playing and he would be maintaining the grass himself. He feels that the first game should be able to take place sometime in January or February of next year. 5 MEETING MINUTES RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA August 23, 1999 Mr. Wildner said that the City had funds to improve the field and worked with the School Department to re-grade it. There is irrigation in place, but it is important that it be maintained properly. He said the School Department has been very cooperative. Chairperson Thomas asked if any member had anything else they would like to report on. Mr. Wildner reported that the insurance company selected a contractor to make the repairs at Kid’s Kingdom and work has already been started. Estimated time for repairs is between two to three months. A grand re-opening ceremony is being planned. The young toddlers’ portion of the playground is already open. VI. NEXT MEETING:Monday, September 27, 1999 Chairperson Thomas informed members she will be out of the Country on September th 27 and she would notify Vice Chair McMahon. VII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _______________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (one tape) 6