Minutes 07-27-98
MNUTES OF THE RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD MEETING
HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA
ON MONDAY, JULY 27, 1998 AT 7:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Betty Thomas, Chairperson Sharon Golden, Recreation Supervisor III
Bruce R. Black
James R. McMahon
Bali Ramnarace
Tom Williams
Dan Winters, Alternate
Ed Harris (arrived late)
ABSENT
Mike Fitzpatrick
Victor Norfus, Alternate
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chairperson Thomas called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
II. ATTENDANCE
Chairperson Thomas called the roll. A quorum was declared present. Also present was
Ms. Sharon Golden, representing the Recreation Department for Ms. Green.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 1998 MEETING
Chairperson Thomas inquired if there were any changes or additions to the minutes of
the June 23, 1998 meeting. There being none, the minutes stand approved as
submitted.
IV. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Kids Kingdom
(Mike Fitzpatrick)
Mr. Fitzpatrick was not present.
B. Hester Center Grand Opening – August 1, 1998--10:00 a.m.
Ms. Golden did not have any additional information on the Grand Opening, but did state
that Ginny Shea is assisting the Hester staff with the grand opening ceremonies.
MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998
C. Monthly Report for June 1998
Chairperson Thomas referred Members to the monthly report for June 1998 included in
their handouts. Mr. Black questioned if the monthly reports were going to be handed
out at the meeting as opposed to being mailed to member’s residences the Friday
before the meeting. This does not give members an opportunity to review the Report in
advance of the meeting. Ms. Golden stated she would bring this issue to the attention
of Mr. Wildner and Ms. Green. Also, Mr. Black questioned why the minutes were
received one week after the last meeting, as they used to be included with the monthly
report.
D. Other
None
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Greenways Network
(Mike Fitzpatrick)
Mr. Fitzpatrick was not present to give an update. Mr. Black stated that at the last
Commission meeting Ms. Green introduced the Greenways project to the
Commissioners and it was met with overwhelming support by the Mayor and the
Commissioners. An ad hoc committee is being be formed and a two-year goal has
been established in order to preserve the greenways for future generations.
B. G.A.L.A. Strategic Planning Sessions
Chairperson Thomas stated that both she and Mr. Winters attended the last planning
session and distributed the plan, agenda and mission to members for their review.
Chairperson Thomas said that attendees at the meeting were divided into different
committees and it was a very productive session. It is intended that the G.A.L.A. will be
changed not only in appearance, but in the supervision area as well. A great deal of the
supervision and planning will now be delegated to the citizens of the City.
Mr. Winters inquired how these changes came about? Ms. Golden replied that this was
the result of the community wanting more involvement in the G.A.L.A. and has been
under consideration for quite some time. Mr. Winters suggested that with all the
changes taking place, it might be a good idea if the G.A.L.A. be postponed for a year or
two and then restart again. However, Mr. Winters was informed that this was not a
consideration. However, Mr. Winters felt that until the bridge is complete, it might be a
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RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998
good idea to postpone the G.A.L.A. in order that the various committees could be
established and plans could be formulized.
Also, Mr. Williams suggested that the G.A.L.A. should be held in a different area of the
City since the current space was limited and people had to cross the railroad tracks.
Mr. Williams suggested Gateway, but the access road to I-95 would have to be closed.
Mr. Winters stated that when the new bridge is complete, Ocean Avenue would then be
an ideal place, but for the time being crossing U.S. 1 is dangerous and inconvenient.
Also, discussion ensued on the G.A.L.A. running north and south, instead of east and
west.
Mr. Black stated that at some of the strategic planning sessions, there was talk that
Ocean Avenue should not be closed off from the Civic Center east because of all the
homes in this area. Mr. Black also thought that the G.A.L.A. should flow north and
south as opposed to east and west. Seacrest Avenue and Federal Highway were also
considered. It could also be held in different areas in the City to include other ethnic
members of the City. One of the goals was increasing the G.A.L.A. and there is no
where to go if the G.A.L.A. remains going east and west. Another venue has to be
determined.
Chairperson Thomas suggested that consideration should be given to holding another
meeting to address these issues. Mr. Williams also suggested holding the G.A.L.A. on
Congress Avenue, east on Gateway up to the new hotel, which would be more than
enough space. The G.A.L.A. needs more space to compete with West Palm Beach and
Delray. Also Quantum Park is a possibility with all the available space and could be
held where the new high school is being built.
C. Upcoming Special Events: T.N.T. Concert; July 31, DJ;
th
August 28, “the Retro Rockets”
st
Ms. Golden stated that the Friday, July 31’ concert will not be a DJ, but a band will
perform called “Equal Access” which is a top-40 band and Retro Rockets will be
th
performing on August 28. Mr. Winters commended the Recreation Department for the
fine job they are doing in presenting the concerts, which is a nice family outing. There
has been discussion that after “turtle season”; some concerts could be held on the
beach itself.
Mr. Williams requested that it be placed in the record that a great many of the new trees
on U.S. Highway #1 are on the ground and hanging in the path of the cars travelling
south on U.S. #1. Someone should be contacted to straighten out the trees, as it is
detrimental to the appearance of the City.
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998
Also Mr. Williams stated that the Sara Sims Park has no benches in the pavilion and
there are no tables for anyone wanting to sit and eat in the Park.
Mr. Williams added that the bleachers at Wilson Ball Field face the road and not the
field. These bleachers need to be turned around and there is a need for more
bleachers, as the current bleaches do not meet the needs of all the people attending the
ball games.
Mr. Williams requested that the restroom facilities at Wilson Pool should be accessible
while ball games are being held, because the restrooms at Wilson Center are too far to
walk while attending a ball game. The pool restrooms are much more convenient.
Perhaps a part time employee could remain at the pool until the game ends to keep the
restrooms open.
Mr. Black pointed out with regard to the tree situation along U.S. Highway #1, a certain
amount of money has been withheld from payment to the contractor until all the trees
live and survive for one year and this issue is being addressed daily by Mr. Hallahan.
Mr. Black stated that during the budget session taking place in Commission Chambers
this evening, the proposed budget included updating Sara Sims Park.
Chairperson Thomas informed members that she was present at Lucille and Otley’s on
Friday, together with Vice Mayor Jaskiewicz, Betty Collins, Melody Green and several
other City building department employees for the purpose of consideration for
purchasing the building for a senior citizen center. Chairperson Thomas had
information available on the purchase for any member who might be interested.
Chairperson Thomas stated that the original building was built in 1948 and an addition
was added in 1980. The building contains approximately 10,000 square feet and can
seat 350 people. The kitchen area comprises 50% of the building. It is anticipated that
the kitchen area will be significantly reduced and other rooms will be built in its place.
Also, the roof, air conditioning and plumbing need work. There are 60 parking spaces
on the lot. It is anticipated that the building can be readied within six months. It was felt
this was a very good location for the senior center. Chairperson Thomas stated that the
United Way funding of $190,000 goes to the Mae Volen Center that should go to
Boynton for a senior center.
Chairperson Thomas noted that Mr. Ed Harris joined the meeting.
Mr. Williams inquired if the City’s Recreation and Parks Department could offer financial
assistance to the youngsters who compete on the Hershey Track Team. There are two
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998
youngsters from Boynton Beach that appeared in an article in Sports Illustrated recently.
These are world-class runners who compete and finish with the best times in their
competition. The youngsters have just returned from meets in Bethesda, Maryland and
are competing next in Seattle, Washington. Mr. Williams stated these youngsters need
financial assistance to get to Seattle.
Motion
Bruce Black moved that this Board request that the City Commission offer financial
assistance to cover the expenses for two City youngsters to travel to Seattle,
Washington to compete in the Hershey Track Games. Motion seconded by Mr.
Williams. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Williams said he would follow through on this request for assistance. Mr. Harris
stated that the youngsters would be leaving next week for Seattle. Mr. Harris pointed
out that these activities keep the youngsters off the streets. Mr. Williams inquired about
the age group of the youngsters and Mr. Harris stated the age range is from 10 through
14 and they are competing against older runners.
D. Election of Vice Chairman
Chairperson Thomas pointed out that this Board does not have a Vice-Chairman and it
would be in order to elect a Vice-Chairman. Chairperson Thomas asked for nominations
from the members.
Motion
Bali Ramnarace moved that Bruce Black be elected Vice Chairman of the Recreation
and Parks Board.
Motion
Ed Harris moved that nominations for Vice-Chairman be closed. Mr. Williams seconded
the motion that the nominations be closed. Motion carried unanimously.
Chairperson Thomas called for second on the motion to elect Bruce Black Vice-
Chairman. Mr. Williams seconded the motion to elect Bruce Black Vice-Chairman.
Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Winters stated that he did not feel that the City is ready to enter the All America City
competition. Ms. Green had asked for volunteers for a committee, and Mr. Winters had
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MEETING MINUTES
RECREATION AND PARKS BOARD
BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JULY 27, 1998
agreed to volunteer, but feels the City is way behind the other candidates. Mr. Winters
indicated he would be glad to discuss this conclusion with the Mayor and other City
Departments.
Mr. Black also suggested that a visitor’s television channel could be introduced and this
could be done in conjunction with other cities. Discussion continued on the direction the
City is taking, the various issues that need to be addressed and funding sources for new
programs and projects.
Mr. Harris asked that the record indicate that this Board appreciates the significant
contributions to the City made by Otis Thorpe and his support for the City in a great
many areas.
VI. NEXT MEETING: MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1998 at 7:00 P.M.
Mr. Black again requested that all the meeting material be mailed prior to the meeting in
one packet. Mr. Black stated when he was Secretary, Ms. McDeavitt would prepare the
minutes and he would sign them when they were completed. He was unaware of the
current situation, since there is now a Recording Secretary present.
Mr. Winters inquired what the Recording Secretary’s duties involved. Ms. Madden
responded that she attends meetings for the purpose of taking the minutes, which she
prepares and distributes within a week’s time of the meeting. Ms. Madden further
stated that she does not perform any other function for this Board. However, Ms.
Madden indicated she will discuss the problem with Ms. Green and would be glad to
furnish the minutes to her or anyone else she may designate for distribution by Ms.
Green’s Department. Ms. Madden stated she has been assigned to take the minutes of
this Board’s meetings by the City Clerk’s Office at the request of the Recreation and
Park’s Department.
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)
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